Prior to 2013, three million gallons of storm water runoff was pouring into Lake Nokomis in south Minneapolis every year, along with over two tons of soil-suspended solids and more than 15 pounds of phosphorus.
Metro Blooms is a non-profit organization in the Twin Cities, encouraging gardeners to become active stewards of local water resources, and with a few small fixes and a neighborhood working together, they've made a huge difference in the lake's water quality - and the community's sense of pride and ownership.
You can read more about the Lake Nokomis Alley Project here.
Here is more information on storm water runoff on a city alley, using both nonpermeable and permeable surfaces.
Metro Blooms has information for folks who might want to start similar projects in their own communities. This is their contact page.
