Stormwater management is the practice of managing excess rainwater.
Usually, when it rains, the soil absorbs the water and replenishes aquifers wells. This water flows to the streams and the water continues through its natural cycle.
When excess rain falls and the ground becomes far too saturated, the water begins to pool and run across the top. This water tends to pick up bacteria and spreads it wherever it goes.
This stormwater causes damage to structures, contaminates clean water and wreaks environmental havoc. The management of stormwater becomes critical to the maintenance of the land. With more volatile weather patterns set to become the norm, the clock is ticking for many on this important consideration.
The problem with conventional curb and gutter systems is that they collect the runoff and quickly move it to storm drain systems and back into the environment. The efficiency of this system has made it attractive for a long time yet the problem lies in the very speed that made it popular.
The water collects contaminants from the pavement. This contaminated water is then shuttled back into the environment. The problem is that it has no chance to filter out the pollutants and bacteria.
What do stormwater management techniques look like?
There are a wide variety of stormwater management techniques to consider. Stormwater management can use everything from ponds and swales to solutions like green roofs, rain barrels and cisterns.
By installing features like swales and sand filters, the flow works to keep the stormwater at a manageable level while promoting filtration. A swale is a drainage path like a ditch but can be vegetated and filtered. This helps to keep the land manageable. It also keeps the surrounding environment including the property itself cleaner.
We can also construct wetlands to collect and clean stormwater just like real wetlands. These are a wonderful asset to a property and create a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. They don’t just solve a problem they truly enhance the land.
A vegetated filter strip is another method of stormwater management. It allows the water to flow down a slope thick with plants and vegetation.
Where property owners are concerned, one main idea is to improve the permeability of the land. That means rather than concrete or asphalt driveways utilizing permeable pavements and other solutions. Building filtration systems is another practice that helps to sustain the local environment. It does this by reducing the unfiltered runoff that is associated with storm drains and gutters.
D&H Land Management
At D&H Land Management we are committed to quality and have been since our inception. Our mission is to provide comprehensive land management services. We see things from the end user’s perspective to ensure that they receive the highest value possible.
We have over 25 years of experience working as both business partners and developers. Our experience is backed up by our dedication to providing the best land development and management services possible. Contact us today and learn how we can help you with any of your stormier projects.
