San Juan County recently created a stormwater utility to address flooding and water quality problems that impact property and the environment. These types of problems are not easily attributed to a single source, and are usually the result of a combination of things that increase the amount of impervious surfaces (roads, driveways, and development) and affect water quality (erosion, fertilizers, and petroleum products).
According to the latest growth projections, the county is expected to grow by 31% over the next 20 years, from a 2005 population of 15,500 to a 2025 population of 22,534. This growth means that there will be more impervious surfaces created by new homes, roads, and driveways and that existing flooding and water quality problems will worsen. Addressing these problems through the Storm Water Utility will help to ensure responsible and sustainable development and will help to protect San Juan County's environment.