The continuous expansion of urban areas unfortunately comes with attached challenges, especially the effective management of stormwater. Stormwater, especially during heavy rains, has a high likelihood of causing flooding, water contamination, erosion, destruction of property, and even the loss of human life. Proper stormwater management can prevent these problems, protect the ecosystem, and maintain sustainable development. In addition, it is essential to ensure that regulatory, environmental, and multi-compliance consulting services are met. Several innovative techniques have been developed to manage stormwater in rural and urban settings. Below are some stormwater management techniques commonly used today.
Stormwater Management Techniques
Green Roofs
A green roof refers to a roof covered in vegetation. The vegetation can absorb and retain rainwater and slow down the fall of stormwater. This will decrease the amount of water entering the drainage system and prevent flooding. In addition, green roofs improve air quality, reduce the heat index, provide insulation for buildings, and help homeowners conserve energy.
Rain Gardens
City governments and private communities can design rain gardens that temporarily hold and soak in rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, patios, and lawns. Rain gardens are shallow, landscaped depressions filled with native plants that are able to retain significant amounts of water and naturally filter it before allowing it to pass. An estimated 70% of all water pollution is caused by pollutants carried by rainwater runoff. These rain gardens can help filter out pollutants that would otherwise flow directly to streams and ponds.
Rain gardens can be built in residential areas, parks, and commercial developments, offering an aesthetically pleasing way to manage stormwater.
Permeable Pavements
A major contributor to increased runoff is the use of traditional asphalt and concrete surfaces. Water cannot seep through these materials, so runoff is not prevented or slowed. Meanwhile, permeable pavements are designed to allow water to pass through the surface and into the ground. With the use of permeable pavements, the runoff volume can be reduced, preventing flooding and erosion.
Bioswales
Bioswales are linear vegetated channels built to transport stormwater while filtering it. Often planted with grass, shrubs, and trees, bioswales are typically installed along roadsides, parking lots, and near buildings. When dirty water from rooftops and roads flows into the bioswales, the plants, rocks, and soil slow it down and break down the pollutants. The ground of these biswales also absorbs some of the water, decreasing the volume of water that flows into natural water sources. Having undergone a filtration process, the excess stormwater that flows to natural water sources is cleaner than when it entered the bioswales.
Detention and Retention Ponds
These are basins designed to store runoff. Detention ponds temporarily store water and slowly release it to the surrounding environment or drainage system. On the other hand, retention ponds store water permanently. The pollutants settle, and the water is filtered naturally. These basins can significantly help reduce the effect of heavy rainfall and provide a habitat for wildlife.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is an old technique that has been repopularized in recent years. In this practice, rainwater is collected from roofs and stored in tanks or cisterns for later use in irrigation, toilet flushing, or car washing. This stormwater management technique helps conserve water while lowering the risk of flooding.
Constructed Wetlands
These are engineered man-made systems that are designed to treat wastewater and make use of natural wetland processes involved in the management and removal of pollutants. In these constructed wetlands, stormwater passes through a series of vegetation and soil layers, which serve as a filter for pollutants present in the water. These artificial wetlands can be constructed in large-scale developments, parks, and other public spaces. They not only serve as a way to protect the community from floods but also support biodiversity.
Cisterns and Underground Storage Systems
Cisterns and underground storage systems are ideal stormwater management techniques in places where space is limited. Stormwater is stored underground and is slowly released over time. These systems prevent the overwhelming of drainage systems and lower the risk of flooding.
Consider Employing Stormwater Management Techniques
Stormwater management techniques protect natural resources and public and private properties while helping to maintain sustainable development. Combining different stormwater management techniques ensures that drainage systems are not clogged by trash and other debris, and communities can effectively manage stormwater and lower the risk of flooding.
In addition, utilizing stormwater management techniques is essential for meeting QISP regulation standards and protecting water systems. As the population continues to grow and climate change increases the annual amount of rainfall, more innovative and creative stormwater management techniques will be needed to ensure communities are safe from floods and the environment is protected.
If you are ready to implement a stormwater management system, we would be happy to discuss the best options for you. Call today for a consultation.