From the Johnson County Museum
The construction of the suburbs brought many changes to Johnson County's landscape. Houses, shopping centers and streets required all changes in the natural topography, vegetation and liquids. The streams were in concrete, replaced local plants and heavy machines that replaced hills and valleys. These changes had permanent effects on the currents' currents. Read on to find out what happened to our currents – and what you can do today to protect you.
Building the suburbs
After the Second World War, federal programs such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the veteran administration made residential property more affordable and promote sub -city growth across the country. In Johnson County, this era was a dramatic change from a rural agricultural landscape to busy districts and commercial developments that are supposed to accommodate a rapidly growing population.
In the 1940s and 50s, developers used new machines to train the country extensively. They flat hill, filled valleys and handled streams with concrete. Forests were cleared, the levels paved and the construction rose; Often interventions in wetlands, hills and areas at risk of flood. This fast development changed the district's water systems in a way that we still experience today.
- Bach channels smooth – Reduced local floods, pushed the flood risk downstream to Kansas City, Mo.
- Buried liquids underground – Destroyed natural habitats for water and plant life.
- Dowed the floor and stripped off by Bulldozern vegetation – caused erosion and increased sediment in streams and storm channels.
- Lawns replaced the local vegetation – Submit more drain, fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides in waterways.
- Hot drainage of pavement and lawns – Sometimes 10 degrees warmer than streams that harms life in the water.
- Faster, more powerful rivers – Controlled electricity banks, deposited rubble and degraded habitats for fish and insects.
The costs of a perfect lawn
The lush, green lawn – a long symbol for the American dream – has hidden environmental costs.
- Chemicals and care: Lawns often require fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides and constant maintenance. Many grasses are not suitable for the climate of Kansas, which leads to soil erosion and vulnerability in Dürren. Hoas often force lawn standards and continue to promote the non -sustainable practices.
- Drainage and pollution: Lawns are more likely to behave than sponges and send drains with fertilizers and chemicals in streams. This pollution drives harmful algae flowers, frightens oxygen in water and endangers life in the water. Even grass excerpts swept into the problem in storm drains.
- Water consumption: Sprinkler systems can use 12–16 gallons per minute. On hot summer days, the daily use of Waterone jumps by 150 million gallons – mainly to keep green areas. Outlap also increases the risk of chemicals into the groundwater.
A healthier water future
The extent of the suburban water challenges can feel overwhelming – but individuals can make a difference. Here are seven actions recommended by local water experts:
Find out more – visit the special exhibition!
Would you like to learn more about what in the area? Visit the Johnson County Museum to explore the special exhibition: “Waves: water, community and you”. You can plan your visit at jcprd.com/ripples!
Many thanks to our exhibition sponsors!
We are grateful for the generous support of Black & Veatch, Burns & McDonnell, HDR, the Parks & Recreation Foundation by Johnson County and Trekk Design Group. Your partnership helps us bring the important history of water to life – for you, your family and our entire community.