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The Rainwater Revue

Summer 2025 Edition

Welcome

Over the Spring of 2025, the Jefferson SWCD has been working to bring our new website to life. To better assist our customers and partners, our new online home has been developed to be a one stop resource hub for all things Soil & Water. As a cooperator of the district's Stormwater Program, I'd like to invite you to explore the new web page, particularly the Municipal Operation Portal, which has been designed to allow MS4 communities to access training opportunities, sediment & erosion control resources, mapping, and other valuable tools when it comes to managing stormwater.  As always, your input is welcomed, and I'm always happy to add new information to the website that you may find useful. Thanks in advance for taking the time to check out the new JSWCD Website!

Respecfully, 

Mark Petho

Stormwater Resources Coordinator 

Summer Maintenance

As we enter into the summer season, maintenance crews from across the county are switching to summer hours and beginning their summer maintenance routines. Of the various maintenance duties, grass cutting often takes center stage; and rightfully so. As you make your pass on the tractor this year, here are some recommendations to be Stormwater Smart. 

  • Keep your mower deck to a height of no less than 3-inches; taller grass helps rain water infiltrate into the ground. 
  • When mowing, don't blow grass into the street; loose grass can clog storm drains and lead to more maintenance work. 
  • Not a stormwater tip, but remember to stay hydrated and take breaks as need to prevent heat related illness.
  • Reminder to keep an eye on your salt piles to ensure tarps are in good condition. 
  • For those who perform street sweeping, remember to track your miles and tonnage. 
a patch of mowed grass near a street curb. grass clippings have been blown into the street
Don't blow mowed grass into the street!
Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke symptoms and actions. Heat exhaustion: dizziness, thirst; move to a cooler area, drink water. Heat stroke: confusion, call 911.
A white tarp shelter with a blue tarp inside, a red truck, and construction equipment nearby. Trees are in the background.
Is your salt covered? Check for rips and tears over the summer.
A yellow street sweeper truck parked on a residential street, labeled "Public Works."
Remember to track your Street Sweeping
a patch of mowed grass near a street curb. grass clippings have been blown into the street
Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke symptoms and actions. Heat exhaustion: dizziness, thirst; move to a cooler area, drink water. Heat stroke: confusion, call 911.
A white tarp shelter with a blue tarp inside, a red truck, and construction equipment nearby. Trees are in the background.
A yellow street sweeper truck parked on a residential street, labeled "Public Works."

Facility Inspections

Over the course of Summer, the JSWCD will be out conducting facility inspections once more. The purpose of a facility inspection is to assist MS4 communities with identifying possible stormwater hazards at maintenance facilities, and ensuring we are all doing our part to remain in compliance with the MS4 Permit. Additionally, this is a prime opportunity to provide municipal crews with general updates, training opportunities, and meet with new employees. 

Do you part to be Stormwater Smart!

Illustration of stormwater management tips: dispose pet waste, no street parking during sweeping, direct water to greens, avoid chemicals.

Don't Forget to visit our Municipal Operations Portal, and other resource tabs!

A useful resource for MS4 communities

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