Dayton's stormwater management lands national award

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – The City of Dayton Department of Water won a national award for its stormwater program.

Dayton won the 2024 National Municipal Stormwater and Green Infrastructure MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) Award from the Water Environment Federation.

Only six other organizations have won it.

“We’re pleased to share the news that our department has once again won this prestigious award from a pool of national candidates,” said Michael Powell, director of Dayton Department of Water. “This achievement speaks to the innovative approach our team takes to protect Dayton`s water for the community and the environment.”

Beloved local rivers such as the Great Miami are protected from pollution by effective stormwater management.

The WEF mentioned Dayton, its public awareness campaigns, river clean-ups and the Adopt a Storm Drain program in its Stormwater Report.

“The City of Dayton Department of Water delivers impressive results for the protection of its local waterways while keeping costs low by pursuing an extensive public outreach campaign,” said WEF.

Lisa Gleason, a senior manager from WEF’s Water Science and Engineering Center, wrote a letter on why the city won.

“After a thorough evaluation by an expert panel of judges, Dayton's program excelled in effectively managing stormwater, surpassing regulatory requirements, and demonstrating a commitment to innovative solutions,” said Gleason.

Click here to learn more about stormwater management in Dayton.