When it rains, it pours and we have all been affected by the pouring
effect of stormwater. The following diagram illustrates the stormwater
cycle in a natural environment:
Now compare that to the diagram of an urban stormwater cycle:
For the remainder of this post, let's focus on the percentage difference of runoff in each diagram. Whether we realize it or not, we have modified the nature's cycle. There are
many factors adding to the "pouring" effect of rainfall trends. Factors
such as impervious surfaces (driveways, parking lots), developing
within floodplains or along side a stream channel, removing streamside
vegetation, stream channelization (the straightening of a stream), or
enclosing a stream within a pipe all have negative impacts on landowners
and water quality. However, this does not have to be a dooms day
sentence for property owners or community officials! There are many things YOU and your communities can do to lessen the impact of stormwater:
- Embrace riparian setbacks;
- Encourage green infrastructure stormwater measures;
- Establish a rain garden;
- If you live adjacent to a stream establish a no mow area;
- Keep your streets free of excess nutrients (grass clippings, leaves, fertilizers) by sweeping up after your yard work. (check out Franklin Soil and Water's "Get Grassy" program for more yard tips).
Explore AWARE's blogsite and our members materials, under "Partnering Agency Projects" or "Publications", for more information about how you can personally lighten the load.
Remember, everything rainfall touches is carried into a nearby stream.
Oil, sediment, trash, fertilizer, animal waste are all pushed directly
into a near by stream or into the stormdrain system that transports
stormwater INTO a nearby stream!
