green Stormwater infrastructure
Green stormwater infrastructure is infrastructure designed to manage rainfall by infiltrating water where it falls, rather than routing runoff long distances to centralized locations such as detention ponds, arroyos, or the Santa Fe River. GSI filters stormwater pollutants, reduces flood impacts, and promotes passive irrigation for plant growth and ecosystem resilience. GSI can be implemented at various scales, ranging from simple residential landscaping and roadside rain gardens, to large infiltration galleries within public parks.
Learn more about the different types of GSI and examples in Santa Fe on our Green Infrastructure Storymap:
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) in Santa Fe, NM
Learn more about green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) and how the City of Santa Fe utilizes it for its many benefits.
The City of Santa Fe encourages the use of GSI to treat runoff as a resource, infiltrating rainfall as close to the source as possible. The City hopes to expand the use of GSI with its new Runoff to Roots program, which will support neighborhoods that wish to install rain gardens in public spaces such as city parks, open spaces, and street right-of-way (ROW). These rain gardens can collect and infiltrate stormwater runoff from impervious areas into a basin, which can improve water quality and attenuate peak runoff volumes. Learn more about the program and how to participate by visiting the page.
Stormwater runoff is powerful and can lead to flooding and erosion. If stormwater is captured and infiltrated on site, it can reduce the amount of runoff and the impacts it can cause. Explore this page for actions or best practices you can use to manage stormwater and minimize erosion and sediment issues at your home and property.
Explore the history of GSI in Santa Fe, as well as where it is located around the city.