Why Stormwater Management Plays A Large Role In Protecting Local Enviroments

Stormwater management is the process or the act of dealing with the amount and condition of stormwater. This includes structural and also manufactured control devices and systems (e.g. retention ponds) designed for the treatment of dirty stormwater, as well as functional or procedural routines. Management of stormwater is really important, specifically in urban areas where stormwater runoff is usually a worry.



Stormwater isn't just water which is introduced by down pours and storms. The term covers all water coming from precipitation events, such as snowfall and runoff water brought on by overwatering. Stormwater is of concern for a couple important reasons. One particular reason is related to the volume and timing of runoff water (such as flood control and water supplies) and the other is related to the possible impurities the water is carrying.



In contrast to loose soil and sand, impervious surfaces like car parking lots, streets, homes, as well as compacted soil will not allow rainfall to seep into the ground. This is the reason much more runoff water is created in cities and urbanized places in comparison with rural or forested locations. This can be unfortunate and can also end up being harmful to the environment because rather than being wasted as runoff water, it could have refreshed groundwater or supply stream base flow in dry conditions.



Stormwater management research has shown that further runoff can erode watercourses, like streams and rivers, as well as trigger floods once the stormwater collection process is overpowered from the additional flow. If not appropriately managed, runoff water coming from substantial or continuous rain can cause significant damage to lives and property.



Contaminated runoff could come about from pollution coming into surface waters during precipitation events. It is not as unheard of as one may assume. Everyday human actions leave impurities on the roadways, grass, rooftops, farm fields and other areas. These are picked up by runoffs and eventually end up in streams, lakes and seas in substantial amounts.



In certain places, contaminated runoff from roadways and highways might be the largest supply of water pollution. Other side-effects of polluted stormwater are stream erosion, weed invasion and alteration of natural flow patterns. Unfortunately, quite a few native species depend on those patterns and circulation rates for breeding, growth and migration. A number of stormwater management techniques were created to remove pollutants from the runoffs before they pollute surface waters or groundwater sources.



Management of stormwater may be in the form of source management, so that dangerous substances are taken care of to avoid release of pollution into the environment. However, natural waterways that remain or could be rehabilitated could be acquired and protected. Establishing soft structures like ponds, swales or even wetlands to utilize existing or “hard” water drainage structures (such as pipes and concrete channels) can also be effective for managing runoffs.



Stormwater management might be more productive by educating people about how human activities have an effect on water quality and what they are able to do to better the situation. Current regulations and ordinances need to be enhanced to cope with comprehensive stormwater requirements and ensure that people look at the effects of stormwater prior to, during, as well as after development of their property. Overall, people working together with the law could make a big difference in minimizing the unwanted side effects of stormwater runoff on the natural world.


When it comes to stormwater management and stormwater solutions, it pays to do your research. There is a wealth of information online, but most people don't know where to start looking. For more information, read more of these articles.