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What is Stormwater Management?
Stormwater runoff is generated when natural precipitation – rain, snow, ice melt, etc. – does not initially infiltrate/percolate into the ground.
Managing Stormwater in the City
Although cities afford untold opportunities to the human race, the development that goes with them tends to cause problems when it comes to runoff management.
What are Floodplains?
Floodplains vary in size and consist of the floodway -- the main channel of the river or stream -- and the flood fringe which extends from the outer banks of the floodway to the enclosing valley walls.
Stormwater Management in Urban Settings
Historically, stormwater strategies have included methods to collect, store and move runoff away from urban environments into nearby waterways to prevent flooding in the cities.
Low-Impact Development Stormwater Management Strategies
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the term low impact development refers to “systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes that re
Stormwater Use for Green Roofs / Vegetated Rooftops / Living Roof
A green roof, a low impact development (LID) strategy, is an alternate roof surface that is partially or completely covered with vegetation.
Stormwater Conservation Landscaping
One example of a LID strategy, termed conservation landscaping, preserves native species and provides wildlife habitat while also improving water quality.
Rain Gardens and Bioretention Areas
A rain garden, one example of a low-impact development strategy, is a planted shallow depression (the catchment area).
What are Disconnected Downspouts?
Downspout disconnection is a LID strategy that separates roof downspouts from their previous normal route – a piped system that enters the sanitary sewer system and/or discharges it onto impervious surfaces.
Catch Basins for Stormwater
A catch basin, also known as a storm drain, is used to redirect water to prevent flooding.
Bioretention Basins and Retaining Ponds for Stormwater
Bioretention basins are another low-impact development strategy.
Stormwater or Rainwater Art
Stormwater management is not always pretty. In fact, many times, drainage ditches, culverts, and black pipes can be an eyesore.
Permeable Pavement for Stormwater and Rain
Permeable pavement, also referred to as porous concrete or pervious concrete, is a highly porous pavement that allows rainwater to pass through it and soak into the ground beneath it.
Impact Design Requirements of LID Stormwater Management
The main goal of low-impact design strategies is to distribute or scatter stormwater and urban runoff across developed sites.
Stormwater Management Feature Location Considerations
There are considerations that need to be made for a stormwater management plan, such as the best locations for your stormwater management features.
Utilizing Undisturbed Areas in Stormwater Management
The preservation of undisturbed natural areas, as well as using them as buffers, is a principle that can be utilized.
Refurbishing Damaged and Old Catch Basins
Catch basins are often replaced every decade or so in busy areas where storm water systems take a lot of heavy use.
Preventing Seepage in a Catch Basin
Catch basins are prone to the water loss known as seepage just like many concrete lined water features.
Direct Connection to Local Waterways for Stormwater
Municipalities with natural or manmade waterways offer convenient opportunities for dealing with stormwater.
Maintenance Requirements for Storm Water Catch Basins
Even the best designed catch basins need regular maintenance to work properly.
Designing Better Catch Basins
When you go the extra mile to build a catch basin from scratch, you’ll want to address the specific shortcomings of most precast models.
Components of the Catch Basin
Despite being just a small part of the larger storm water management plan, the catch basin itself is complex enough to contain multiple important parts.
Where Do Catch Basins Fit into a Storm Water Management System?
While catch basins are essential for capturing debris and consolidating surface runoff, they’re just one part of a much larger system.
The Challenges of Storm Water Management
Storm water is often treated as a nuisance rather than an important resource.