Helena Joyce
Stormwater runoff is rain that falls on surfaces such as streets, parking lots, and rooftops, and flows directly into nearby lakes, rivers, and wetlands. This water picks up pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, and oils along the way, contaminating these water bodies. To prevent runoff pollution, individuals can adopt several measures, including permeable surfaces that allow water to penetrate and be absorbed into the soil, using rain barrels or redirecting water onto lawns or landscaped areas. Additionally, reducing the use of chemicals, properly disposing of automotive fluids, and maintaining septic systems are all effective ways to minimize the impact of runoff pollution on the environment.
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What You'll Learn
Reduce usage of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides
Reducing the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides is an important step in mitigating runoff pollution. These substances are commonly used in agriculture to enhance crop growth and protect against pests, but they can have detrimental effects on the environment when not managed properly.
Fertilizers, for example, are a major source of nutrient pollution in waterways. Nitrogen-based fertilizers can contaminate drinking water sources, posing significant health risks, especially to infants and young children. High concentrations of nitrates interfere with the blood's ability to carry oxygen, potentially leading to "blue baby syndrome," which can be fatal if not treated promptly. To reduce fertilizer usage, farmers can adopt nutrient management techniques, such as applying fertilizers in the proper amounts, at the right time of year, and with the right methods. Soil testing, for instance, helps determine precise fertilizer needs, minimizing excess application that can leach into waterways.
Pesticides and herbicides are also toxic to aquatic life, causing mortality and sub-lethal effects like reproductive failure and developmental abnormalities in fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. These chemicals can persist in water sources, contaminating drinking water supplies and posing risks to human health. To minimize their use, farmers can implement integrated pest management strategies, such as using natural predators or biological controls, adopting crop rotation, and utilizing resistant plant varieties.
Additionally, maintaining and restoring natural vegetation is crucial. Vegetation acts as a protective cover, reducing soil erosion and providing a physical barrier to chemical runoff. By preserving existing trees and planting new ones, farmers can help manage stormwater runoff, as trees hold a significant amount of water.
By implementing these practices, individuals and farmers can significantly reduce the usage of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, thereby minimizing their impact on the environment and contributing to healthier waterways and ecosystems.
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Install permeable surfaces that allow water to penetrate
Permeable surfaces are an alternative to traditional paving methods, allowing water to penetrate and infiltrate the ground, thereby reducing flooding and runoff pollution. There are two main types of permeable paving: porous pavements and permeable pavements. Porous pavements, such as reinforced grass or gravel, porous concrete, cobblestones, or porous asphalt, allow water to infiltrate across the entire surface. In contrast, permeable pavements, commonly used on roads and in carparks, use materials like bricks laid with porous seals to create void spaces through to the sub-base. This allows water to filter through into the ground.
Permeable surfaces can also be installed in the form of rain gardens, bioswales, or green roofs. Rain gardens are shallow depressions in the landscape that capture stormwater, allowing it to gradually infiltrate the soil. Bioswales are vegetated swales that allow water to slowly run along their length, and they can be used to discharge sump pumps and downspouts. Green roofs are engineered rooftops that support plant life and capture rainwater before it runs off, providing energy efficiency and stormwater management benefits.
Another option for creating permeable surfaces is to use water tanks, either above or below ground, to capture rainwater from downspouts for later use. French drains are another technique, where ditches filled with gravel or rock capture stormwater and direct its flow away from impermeable surfaces.
By installing permeable surfaces, individuals and communities can play a vital role in mitigating runoff pollution and promoting sustainable water management practices.
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Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater
Rain barrels are an effective method to reduce runoff pollution. They are a low-cost way to conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff into waterways. By placing a rain barrel under the downspout of a building, you can collect water from the roof during rainfall. The captured water can then be used for various purposes, such as watering gardens, lawns, trees, and indoor plants. This reduces the amount of water flowing from your property and decreases the total amount of runoff water.
Rain barrels come in various sizes, ranging from 30-gallon to 100-gallon containers, and can be made of plastic or wood. They can be purchased from local retailers, garden centres, or online stores. Alternatively, you can make your own rain barrel by upcycling any large container capable of holding water. It is important to ensure that your rain barrel has an overflow mechanism to prevent it from overflowing during heavy rainfall.
The water collected in rain barrels can be used for several purposes. In addition to watering plants, it can be used for outdoor cleaning, such as rinsing hands, boots, and garden tools. It is recommended to use the collected water for non-edible plants, as rainwater may pick up pollutants from roof surfaces, such as bacteria from birds and other animals, or chemicals from roof materials.
Using rain barrels can help reduce erosion and flooding caused by stormwater runoff. By capturing and containing rainwater, rain barrels allow water to slowly seep back into the ground, reducing the amount of polluted water that flows into rivers and streams. This helps to conserve water bodies and maintain their ecological balance.
In addition to using rain barrels, you can also implement other strategies to reduce runoff pollution. This includes creating rain gardens or bioswales, which act like sponges by soaking up rainwater and slowly releasing it. Green roofs, which involve planting drought-tolerant vegetation on rooftops, can also help slow down and filter rainwater while providing energy-efficient roofing.
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Create a rain garden or bioswale to absorb water
Rain gardens and bioswales are effective ways to absorb water and prevent runoff pollution. They are natural solutions that can be implemented in areas that require stormwater management.
Rain Gardens
Rain gardens are depressed areas in the landscape that collect rainwater from roofs, driveways, or streets and allow it to soak into the ground. They are planted with grasses and flowering perennials, creating an attractive and low-maintenance feature. When creating a rain garden, it is important to consider the soil type and ensure it is not clay-based. Sandy or silty sand soils with added compost are ideal. The location of the rain garden is also crucial; it should be at least 15 feet away from your home and downhill from any foundation. Ensure there is a way to direct rainwater runoff into the garden, such as through a drainage pipe or by grading the landscape.
Bioswales
Bioswales are vegetated swales that allow water to slowly run along their length. They are commonly applied along streets and around parking lots to capture and treat stormwater runoff. The vegetation and soil in a bioswale provide natural filtration, removing pollutants such as silt, inorganic contaminants, organic chemicals, and pathogens. When creating a bioswale, it is important to select the right plants and ensure proper maintenance. Vegetated bioswales can include taller growing plants, shrubs, and even trees. Low water use bioswales are suitable for drier and hotter climates.
By implementing rain gardens or bioswales, you can effectively absorb water and reduce the impact of runoff pollution on the environment.
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Sweep up fertilizers from outdoor surfaces
Stormwater runoff is rain that falls on streets, parking areas, sports fields, gravel lots, rooftops, or other developed land and flows directly into nearby lakes, rivers, and other water bodies. The rain picks up and mixes with pollutants on the ground, such as accidental spills, leaky storage containers, tobacco spit, and fertilizers. These pollutants then rush into nearby gutters and storm drains, causing runoff pollution.
Fertilizers, in particular, can be harmful to the environment, especially when they are washed into water bodies. Phosphorus, a common ingredient in synthetic fertilizers, encourages the growth of algae, which can suck the oxygen out of lakes, rivers, and streams, killing fish and other creatures. Therefore, it is important to sweep up fertilizers from outdoor surfaces to prevent them from being washed away by stormwater runoff.
- Use a broom or a dustpan and brush to sweep up any spilled or leftover fertilizer from outdoor surfaces, such as driveways, patios, or walkways.
- Collect the swept-up fertilizer in a dustpan or a container and seal it properly.
- Store the swept-up fertilizer in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children and pets.
- Look for local household hazardous waste facilities that accept fertilizers. You can use online resources or contact your local waste management department for information on proper disposal locations.
- If there are no nearby waste facilities, reach out to local garden supply stores or gardening groups to see if they can properly dispose of or recycle the fertilizer.
- Consider sharing your leftover fertilizer with neighbors or community gardens instead of disposing of it.
- Always follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer or local waste management authorities for the safe disposal of fertilizers.
By sweeping up and properly disposing of fertilizers from outdoor surfaces, you can help reduce runoff pollution and protect nearby water bodies and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash your car on the lawn, so the water can filter into the ground rather than running off into storm drains.
Avoid flushing cat litter or disposing of household chemicals down the toilet, and ensure your septic tank is regularly inspected and pumped.
Cut down on pesticides and herbicides, and opt for organic fertilisers. If you have a lawn, let it go golden brown in the summer months and add compost and mulch to planting soil.
Install permeable surfaces such as porous paving materials, which allow water to drain into the ground and reduce runoff.
