Issue No. 17
Sept. 4, 2013
Managing stormwater
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tormwater is rainwater that runs off streets, lawns, and other areas. When stormwater is absorbed into the ground, it is filtered and ultimately replenishes aquifers or flows into streams and rivers. In urban areas, however, impervious surfaces such as pavements and roofs prevent precipitation from naturally soaking into the ground. Stormwater that does not soak into the ground becomes surface runoff, which either flows directly into surface waterways or is channeled into storm sewers. Eventually, it is discharged to surface waters and causes downstream flooding, erodes soil and stream banks, and muddies the water. On a positive note, stormwater is also a resource which can address the human’s ever growing need for readily available water especially now that the demand exceeds the supply. This is where stormwater management, the process of managing the quantity and quality of stormwater, becomes relevant. Some risks posed by stormwater can be mitigated by making changes to buildings, paved surfaces, the landscape, and soil surfaces. Here are some things to consider: •
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Check areas of bare soil around your home. Areas of bare soil often exist in vegetable and flower gardens, on newly seeded lawns, and around construction projects. Even on gentle slopes, stormwater can remove large amounts of soil and carry it to wetlands, rivers, and lakes. Eliminate paved surfaces or install alternatives. Use porous pavement, gravel paving blocks, or other pavement options that let rain seep into the soil, in place of asphalt and traditional concrete. Porous pavement allows rain to pass through it and can also filter pollutants from the runoff. Change your landscape’s layout. Landscape low areas with shrubs and flowers to encourage water to soak into the ground. If your yard is hilly, you can terrace slopes to slow the flow of runoff and make mowing and gardening easier.
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Make roof water flow onto grass. Stormwater will have a better chance to soak into the ground if downspouts from roof gutters flow onto grassy areas, not onto foundations and paved surfaces. For roofs without gutters, plant grass, spread mulch, or use gravel under the drip line to stop soil erosion and raise the ground's water absorption capacity. Also, use cisterns or rain barrels to catch rainwater for watering lawns and gardens during summer.
Saving water not only helps protect the environment, it also saves you money and energy. Managing stormwater is an alternative way to have a consistent supply of available water for various uses.
Source: http://extension.missouri.edu/p/EQM102F
Published by the Trade and Industry Information Center (TIIC) for the DTI ENERCON Management Team in support of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program. If you have Enercon tips to share, other suggestions or requested topics, please e-mail us at publications@dti.gov.ph.