Off the Urban Grid

Green Ways to Deal with Water Runoff

Rainwater runoff can cause a couple issues: contamination and flooding. When the water is unable to percolate slowly into the earth, it doesn’t have a chance to be absorbed or to be filtered naturally. When have you impermeable surfaces around your home such as a paved driveway, you increase runoff into the street or sidewalk. However, there are green solutions to more effectively deal with rainwater.

Build a Rain Garden

Rain gardens are similar to wetlands. Basically, they are a shallow depression in the earth that collects rainwater from your roof, lawn or driveway. By redirecting your drain pipes to the rain garden, you can create a beautiful garden with native flowering plants and shrubs that tolerate damp climates. You might want to try cranberries, bog rosemary, wild rice or papyrus.

Once your rain garden is established, you will also be supporting local wildlife such as birds, insects and other wildlife. In addition, the earth will have a chance to slowly absorb the rainwater.

Choose Permeable Pavements

A cement driveway only adds to the problem of rainwater collecting in the street or sidewalk. But driveways, walkways and patios made from permeable materials such as gravel, wood chips, bricks and paving stones reduce runoff. With these materials, you can create green parking areas and outdoor spaces for enjoyment.

Along with allowing rainwater to percolate down into the soil, these permeable options also reduce the heat that builds up from the sun and increase the air’s oxygen.

Adding a rain garden or permeable pavement to your residence will reduce runoff and improve water quality in nearby bodies of water since the storm water has a chance to filter through the underground stone and soil. You can prevent water contamination by taking another step and avoiding pesticides, herbicides and other toxic products on the ground.

Tags: building a rain garden, permeable pavement, water runoff solutions