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20 June 2012

Things Worth Knowing About Stormwater Management

By Thelma Kent


Rainwater that has not been absorbed by the ground but runs off from non-absorbent surfaces into the drains, which channels the water into rivers and oceans, is normally referred to as stormwater. Failure to manage stormwater accordingly can be very destructive and wasteful to homeowners. However, different strategies of stormwater management, which can be used to ensure rainwater is managed effectively, are available.

The major reason for managing this water on a property is reducing the quantity of water that is running off into drains. The harvested water can then be re-used on the property to recharge the natural water table. Because this kind of water normally carries with it pollutants like grease, oil, sediments litters, solvents and more, it will be imperative cleaning and filtering it before using it.

This water can be managed using diverse strategies. These strategies will be applicable depending on whether you are renovating your property, rebuilding your home or commencing a new construction. Rainwater collection, which involves the collection of water from roofs and storing it in rainwater tanks, is the first strategy. The harvested water can be utilized for refilling pools, watering gardens or washing pets. The water can also be used in toilets and for laundry purposes.

Another management strategy is by channeling the water into an underground storage facility. Water collected or harvested this way should mostly be used in irrigating a garden. The collection facility to use in the process should be of any size depending on your preference.

In case you are living in an area where the ground surface is porous, use the infiltration strategy. In this practice, harvest the water, filter it and then store it for quite some time. Later on, you can then release the water and let it soak into the ground.

Rain garden is another technique that is designed to reduce the quantity of rainwater that runs off from a property. This strategy involves the funneling of rainwater from driveways, roofs and other non-absorbent surfaces into the garden. These gardens are normally bowl shaped and make use of loose, deep soils in collecting and absorbing the water.

Bear in mind that though there are some rainwater controlling practices that you can implement yourself, some will require the attention of an expert. Therefore, consider getting the help of professionals such as roof plumbers, landscape designers, engineers and rainwater management specialists among other people. The expert you will choose will however depend with the management plan you want to put in place. If you want to store water in water tank for example, hire a roof plumber for the task.

Rain garden stormwater management strategy can be competently implemented by a landscape designer. In the case of installing a vertical drainage, which will make moisture levels around your foundations to remain constant, then the right professional to hire will be an engineer.




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