Stormwater runoff is the excess water that does not get soaked into the ground when it rains. As the water runs off through lawns and streets into storm drains or directly into waterbodies, it carries chemicals, sediments, and more. These materials clog streams, which often poisons aquatic ecosystems. As a community, we have the power to reduce stormwater runoff pollution if every individual starts taking some measures from their homes.
1. Install Permeable Driveway:
Permeable driveways help efficiently manage stormwater by re-establishing a natural hydrologic balance and restricting stormwater runoff to a great extent. Such driveways slowly release the precipitation into the ground instead of letting it flow to the storm drains. You should hire professional driveway installers from reliable companies like StoneSet to have a perfectly functioning permeable driveway.
2. Vegetate Bare Spots in Your Lawn:
Vegetating the bare spots in your yard helps prevent soil erosion. Moreover, the grasses and small plants on the lawn help store more stormwater, which is later absorbed into the ground. The vegetation also helps reduce the concentration of pollutants in the stormwater. The plants growing on your lawn prevent the pollutants from getting into the stormwater drain by trapping them during precipitation.
3. Use Rain Barrels to Recycle the Stormwater:
If it rains heavily in your area, you should think of ways to store and recycle the stormwater instead of letting it flow to the stormwater drains. Put empty barrels under the downspouts and store the water while it rains. You can use the stored water while gardening, washing your car, or performing other household chores. However, you shouldn’t keep the stormwater stored in the barrels for a long time as they can become the breeding ground for mosquitoes.
4. Create a Rain Garden to Filter Run-off:
Installing rain gardens on your property helps you filter the water slowly into the ground rather than letting it run off into storm drains. These gardens reduce peak storm flows, preventing stream bank erosion and minimising the risk of local flooding. The stormwater flows into the rain garden and then gets absorbed into the soil through the network of deep plant roots. You should learn a few garden care tips to maintain and beautify the outdoor space.
5. Use Effective Pest Management Measures:
Integrated pest management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive way of managing pests and maintaining their population below harmful levels. Since this approach does not rely on excessive pesticides, the stormwater remains safe from contamination. Moreover, some pests create burrows on the grounds, helping trap the stormwater, which is slowly absorbed into the ground. IPM programs use current and comprehensive information about the pest life cycles and their interaction with the environment to take the necessary measures.
6. Use Fertilisers Sparingly and Sweep the Area after Application:
It is always recommended to use fertilisers according to the needs of your lawn and/or garden while complying with the labelled instructions. Once you have used the fertilisers, you should sweep driveways and sidewalks. Otherwise, the excess fertilisers may be carried by rain runoff into creeks and streams, increasing the levels of nutrients in the waters. This may lead to the unnatural growth of algae, creating green, slimy water that often depletes oxygen for aquatic life.
7. Keep Your Surroundings Clean:
When you do not clean trash around your house, it may get carried to nearby creeks and streams with the stormwater through storm drains. When trash ends up in the water, it puts wildlife at risk as they may mistake it for food or get tangled in discarded items. If possible, take part in the creek or watershed cleanup programs organised by the local community. You can also do it on your own. Simply take a trash bag, put on some gloves, and pick up any trash that you may find on your way to the waterbody. Once you are done collecting the trash, put it in a proper disposal container.
Conclusion
Stormwater runoff pollution may not be the biggest issue in the country right now, but it certainly affects a significant portion of the population. With some simple measures, it is possible to reduce the level of such pollution and make proper use of the stormwater. While the aforementioned tips can be useful in lowering pollution levels, you should always look for more ways to make the world a better place for everyone.
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