Age-old techniques to store water are getting a fresh look in the city of Buffalo, as that city grapples with pollution caused by stormwater runoff. 

Rain barrels provide an additional source of water for gardens while also reducing stormwater runoff.The Buffalo News [1] reports that rain barrels are being deployed throughout the Buffalo neighborhood of Hamlin Park, as part of a pilot project to relieve the city's overburdened sewer system. 

Homeowners will either have their downspouts disconnected and channeled into a green area of their yard or they'll get a 60-gallon barrel to collect rainwater to use for watering plants. The purpose is to reduce the amount of rainfall and snowmelt that flows into the city's sewer system and, in cases of heavy precipitation, directly into area waterways when the sewer system is beyond capacity.

Sewage pollution [2] is one of the most persistent and costly water quality problems New York faces. Buffalo -- along with other older cities like Albany and New York City -- experiences serious water quality problems after heavy storms, potentially exposing residents to dangerous bacteria when they flock to beaches. 

One of NYLCV's top legislative priorities [2] of the year also relates to this issue. We are urging Albany to adopt the Sewage Right-To-Know Act, which would ensure that residents and the public are informed whenever sewage contaminates their waterways.

If you haven't already, CLICK HERE [3] to contact your legislators about this important environmental and public health problem.