Stormwater Development
Stormwater management is the effort to reduce runoff of rainwater into streets, lawns and other sites and the improvement of water quality.
The main objective of stormwater management is to maintain healthy waterways to sustain aquatic life and provide safe water for human uses by reducing the effect of urban development. Stormwater management also aims to prevent floods and unwanted stream erosion, protect water quality, and support the natural hydrological cycle.
Educating yourself on where rainwater flows on your property when it doesn’t get absorbed into the ground is a huge first step. Implementing best management practices to reduce runoff and to make sure that it is clean when it leaves your property is the next step.
Detention Ponds
Detention ponds are a type of stormwater basin to settle suspended solids typically found in stormwater.
During low flow periods they are dry, but during heavy rainfall, they provide temporary storage for stormwater runoff. The basins allow pollution removal by holding the water long enough to separate the suspended solids.
Retention Ponds
Retention ponds, also referred to as retention basins, are designed to improve the water quality from stormwater runoff, but they are also used to prevent flooding.
During dry periods, retention ponds do not dry out like detention ponds, therefore, they permanently retain water. Water quality is improved by allowing any suspended sediments to settle, this usually takes between two to four weeks
On-Site Detention
On-site detention collects stormwater or surface water runoff, temporarily stores it, and releases it slowly to prevent flooding the surrounding area.
This method is mainly used in urban and residential areas, so they can be fitted to existing infrastructure such as homes and office buildings.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is a preferred method in urban areas because it conserves potable water and reduces stormwater runoff, but it is also common in rural areas. The harvested rainwater is used to irrigate landscapes. The water is then either removed via vegetation or absorbed by the soil.
Rain that falls into the catchment surfaces can be used for irrigation or in toilet systems with minimal pre-treatment.
Green Roof Infrastructure
Green roofs or rooftop gardens involve a thin layer of plants that grow on a flat or sloped roof. Not only do they store rainwater, but green roofs also improve energy efficiency, reduce urban heat, and they look aesthetically pleasing.
Wetlands
Green roofs or rooftop gardens involve a thin layer of plants that grow on a flat or sloped roof. Not only do they store rainwater, but green roofs also improve energy efficiency, reduce urban heat, and they look aesthetically pleasing.