Stormwater Management

What is stormwater?

Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground.

Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater from naturally

soaking into the ground.

Why is stormwater runoff a problem?

As stormwater flows along streets, it picks up trash, leaves, pet waste, car fuels, and other

pollutants like excess lawn fertilizers and pesticides. This adds up to a great deal of pollution

to our rivers. Did you know that a single quart of oil can contaminate up to two million gallons

of drinking water? This kind of pollution that can’t be traced to a single point is called non-point source pollution.

Non-point source pollution is the leading cause of water quality problems. The effects of non-point source pollutants on specific waters vary and may not always be fully assessed. However, we know that these pollutants have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife.

Do your part to help reduce non-point source pollution and keep our waterways clean for our children and future generations!

You can make a difference:

- Use lawn chemicals and pesticides sparingly.

- Recycle used motor oil and paint or dispose of it at a hazardous waste

collection site. For locations in your neighborhood, call 1-800-CLEANUP or

visit

- Pick up pet waste; dispose of it in the trash.

- Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.

- Repair auto leaks.

- Wash your car on the lawn with phosphate-free soap or at a commercial car wash.

- Direct downspouts away from hard surfaces.

- Install a rain barrel to collect roof runoff water for outdoor watering purposes.

- Construct a rain garden to intercept stormwater and allow it to sink into the ground.

- Never dump anything down a storm drain that you wouldn’t swim in or drink!

Only rain in the drain!

Check out the Northwestern Homeowner's Guide to Stormwater Management below:

Homeowner's Guide to Stormwater Management

For additional resources check out the Chapter 102 and 105 Permitting page.

Example Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) at BCCD:

Rain Barrels

A rain barrel is a low-cost water conservation device that collects and stores rain water from your roof. It reduces the undesirable impacts of runoff to our rivers, lakes, and streams. Our rain barrels reduce water usage at the BCCD Environmental Center by providing water for the greenhouse plants as well as other landscaped areas. They reduce the flow of contaminated water to the Raccoon Creek Watershed.

Rain Garden

A rain garden is a landscaped, shallow depression that allows rain to be collected and seep naturally into the ground. Our rain garden is planted with native plants. It creates habitat for birds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It captures runoff from the roof as well as sheet flow from the parking lot and recharges the groundwater system.

Green Roof

A green roof is the roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. It reduces stormwater run-off and lowers cooling costs as well as reduces noise, smog, and dust. It provides natural habitat for pollinators and birds.The green roof at the BCCD Environmental Center is an extensive green roof. Extensive green roofs typically have less than 6 inches of soil and are planted with drought-tolerant, succulent plants and grasses. It is planted with a variety of sedums, because they are low to the ground, will not be destroyed by nesting birds, require less maintenance (requiring occasional weeding and watering), and can tolerate almost any kind of weather conditions. It absorbs stormwater runoff by capturing and holding rain water in the root zone.

Program contact: Hannah Ward