Road Drainage Can Become Focus in
Combating West Nile Virus

    The West Nile virus (WNV) first appeared in New York in 1999. This mosquito-borne disease has since spread to 45 states. In 2002, 284 people died from WNV and 246 in 2003. There were 4,156 cases in 2002, and the number more than doubled in 2003.

    Even though New Hampshire had only 3 cases in 2003, public health officials have reason to be concerned about WNV. They have known for years that mosquitoes spread diseases. They have developed programs to combat the insects. Their focus on pest control is returning to disease control.

    One affect is seeking additional means to combat mosquitoes. Increasingly, they view stormwater drainage systems as potential standing-water breeding grounds. Mosquito larvae and pupae need standing water to become adults, which can carry WNV and other diseases. If they can reduce standing water, they can reduce mosquitoes and thus disease.

    To preserve local roads, drainage systems must move water away from them. Road drainage systems usually have ditches, culverts, catch basins, and pipes. Many have an array of structures and ponds for special situations. Drainage components can hold water. In addition, environment regulations restrict flow into wetlands and other water bodies without treatment. Many of these treatments also become reservoirs for standing water. In other words, road drainage systems are important and necessary, but can also create attractive places for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

    Stormwater magazine has recently published articles on these possibly conflicting purposes. They describe both perspectives. Local road managers can use them to work with their public health officials. Together they must define specific problems and develop mutually beneficial solutions. The UNH T² Center has prepared a package of this information. It is available upon request, or on the UNH T² Center website.

Return to Spring 2004 Newsletter