Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Things Worth Knowing About Stormwater Management

By Thelma Kent


Stormwater is basically rainwater that the ground has not absorbed but runs off from concrete, gardens, roofs and many other surfaces into drains that direct the water to the natural waterways, like rivers and oceans. When not properly managed, stormwater can be very wasteful and destructive to homeowners. Fortunately, a number of stormwater management strategies that can be used to efficiently manage the water are available.

The management of this water on your property is normally done to reduce the amount of water that runs off into drains. The water that has been harvested can be utilized by homeowners for recharging natural water table. It is always important to clean and filter the water before using it as it usually carries pollutants such as litters, sediments, oil, grease, solvents and many other things.

This water can be managed using diverse strategies. These strategies will be applicable depending on whether you are renovating your property, rebuilding your home or commencing a new construction. Rainwater collection, which involves the collection of water from roofs and storing it in rainwater tanks, is the first strategy. The harvested water can be utilized for refilling pools, watering gardens or washing pets. The water can also be used in toilets and for laundry purposes.

Another management strategy is by channeling the water into an underground storage facility. Water collected or harvested this way should mostly be used in irrigating a garden. The collection facility to use in the process should be of any size depending on your preference.

In case you are living in an area where the ground surface is porous, use the infiltration strategy. In this practice, harvest the water, filter it and then store it for quite some time. Later on, you can then release the water and let it soak into the ground.

Rain garden is the other strategy that is meant to minimize the amount of rainwater that is running off from a building. Here, rainwater from roofs, driveways and other surfaces that do not absorb water are funneled into the garden. The gardens are usually prepared in a bowl shape and they use deep, loose soils to collect and absorb the water.

Bear in mind that though there are some rainwater controlling practices that you can implement yourself, some will require the attention of an expert. Therefore, consider getting the help of professionals such as roof plumbers, landscape designers, engineers and rainwater management specialists among other people. The expert you will choose will however depend with the management plan you want to put in place. If you want to store water in water tank for example, hire a roof plumber for the task.

Remember also to hire an expert engineer especially if you want to set up a vertical drainage system. This expert will ensure that the foundations have the required level of moisture. You should also hire a landscape designer in the process. With the help of these professionals, the stormwater management plan you want to make use of will work effectively.




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