From Rainfall to Resource: Green Infrastructure at the Glassell Campus

As Orange County’s cooperative stormwater education program, H₂OC helps residents and communities understand how everyday actions and stormwater management practices can contribute to cleaner waterways. The green infrastructure incorporated at the Orange County Public Works Glassell Campus provides an opportunity to see some of these practices in action.

The Glassell Campus incorporates several green stormwater infrastructure features designed to collect, infiltrate, retain, treat, and manage rainwater. These features provide a real-world example of how green infrastructure can help reduce runoff, support local water resources, and protect Orange County waterways.

Let’s dive into these green stormwater infrastructure features at our Glassell Campus!

Green Stormwater Infrastructure

The Glassell Campus infrastructure includes both collection and protection features! Collection features reduce water use and waste, while protection features prevent pollutants from flowing untreated into our waterways.

Here are the collection features we have:

 

• Cistern: A 1,600-gallon tank that collects and holds rainwater.

 

 

• Permeable Pavement: Paving stones that allow rainwater to permeate into the underlying reservoir of soil below. The campus features a few different types of permeable pavement, including: permeable pavers, concrete, and asphalt.

 

 

• Collection System: Collection tank under the parking lot that collects and filters 76,890 gallons of rainwater. The collected water is used to irrigate the campus.

Here are the protection features we have:

 

 

• OC Garden Friendly Plants: Plants that are native to Orange County or are better adapted to the Orange County climate, requiring less water.

 

 

• Bioswales: Plant-filled shallow landscapes sloped downward to concentrate, slow down, and filter rainwater.

 

 

• Drywell: An underground drainage structure that collects rainwater and slowly releases it back into the soil.

 

 

• Storm Drain Inlets: Storm drains collect water from the parking lot. The campus has two proprietary biotreatment BMP storm drain inlets: a Filterra unit and a Modular Wetland system.

Let’s now talk about the impact all these infrastructure improvements have made.

Impacts

We’re thrilled with the impact our campus has had on local waterways and water resources. Not only are our water resources more protected, but our communities are too!

1. Since 2018, our campus has collected or treated over 23,100,900 gallons of rainwater. That’s enough to fill 1,320 residential swimming pools!
2. By utilizing plants that are better adapted to the Orange County climate, we help local pollinator habitats.
3. Help reduce localized flooding, which protects property and our communities.

Additionally, H₂OC is a partner in a statewide initiative called Rain Ready California, which advocates for smart modernization of rainwater infrastructure and practices that keep rainwater clean and safe. Clean water is essential, and our collective efforts can protect and strengthen this vital resource. Through simple steps like capturing rainwater before it reaches the ocean, we are ensuring it serves our communities instead.

It takes all of us, whether we live on the coast or inland, to make Orange County Rain Ready. Here are some things you can do to help as well!

What You Can Do

No matter where you live, you can make an impact to protect our waterways. Here are some ideas to continue your impact all year:

• Attend cleanups.  Volunteer clean ups happen year-round, all across Orange County! To find a cleanup event near you, check out our events calendar here. 
• Apply for our RainSmart Rebates (currently only available in South Orange County).  The RainSmart Rebates Pilot Program offers incentives and assistance to upgrade both residential and large landscapes through the installation of rain containers and rainwater treatment features. Whether you have a residential or large landscape, we are stacking rebates on top of those already offered through the Municipal Water District of Orange County, including substantial additional incentives for landscape features to collect rainwater, manage runoff, and help local waterways flourish.   
• Install a rain barrel. Collect rainwater from your roof with a rain barrel! This water can then be used for your irrigation needs to save money and water. Diverting this runoff also helps prevent untreated water from flowing into the storm drain system. Commit to installing a rain barrel here.
• Leave no trace. While you’re enjoying OC’s beautiful parks and beaches, take everything you brought with you and place all trash in a closed bin.
• Pick up after your pets. Place all dog waste in a bag, tie it shut, and dispose properly in a closed bin.

Thank you, OC, for protecting and strengthening our water resources. To learn more pollution prevention tips and collection strategies, go to https://h2oc.org/resources/pollution-prevention-for-residents/.