February - March 2008
landscaping
Water Runoff…
Everyone’s Responsibility
Landscapes help absorb and redirect water flow… stormwater needs to go someplace other than the nearest parking garage or the closest beach.
By Olive Vanselow
When heavy rains occur, where does the water come from and where does it go?? Basic methods of handling runoff are called Best Management Practices (BMPs). Simple conservation methods can cumulatively add up to improved water management. Each property has the potential to contribute in a positive (or a negative) way.
Take a look around… how can you help direct the flow of water?? Are systems in place to allow some water to be absorbed directly back into the soil? Are the intended drainage channels open or blocked with debris? Do drainage channels even exist??
Take a look around… many flows of rainwater result from lack of proper planning. Does water cascade off the roof without proper channeling? Do upper floor drainpipes empty into nowhere… to become uncomfortable and unsafe puddles on the ground floor? Do weepholes and other property drainpipes flow directly onto the sidewalk? Does water roll down a hillside, driveway or street corner to form a “pond” in the parking garage? Is that unplanted slope contributing a layer of mud to whatever lies below?
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Dry creekbeds and ground
covers serve to absorb some rainwater in the landscape. |
In urban areas, more use of concrete and asphalt paving equals less porous space to absorb water and allow it to filtrate back to the soil. If you have a choice to reduce the standard paved area, consider more porous surfaces as brick, gravel, wood chips or geo-textile materials. Try to keep paved areas to a minimum and direct runoff to a grassy or planted area. Use organic mulch in the landscape plantings to promote increased water infiltration. Plant exposed soil as soon as possible to minimize mud and water runoff. Use sediment barriers when necessary. Make sure that drainage channels are installed and kept free of debris. Where water collects, find a creative way to direct it to a drain or landscaped area. Use of “dry” streambeds as seasonal catchments may work in some sites. Incorporate some drainage channels into the landscape with use of larger grade river rock… be careful with smaller gravel which may just float away with the first heavy rainfall. Watch those muddy pathways created where pedestrians take a shortcut… stepping stones, mulch, rocks and plantings may be needed.
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Rainwater requires proper
planning to provide for avenues to direct and absorb runoff water. |
Irrigation systems, too, contribute to runoff if broken heads, valves and pipes are not repaired promptly. A wide range of sprinkler heads and bubblers are available to fit specific landscape needs; however, many systems still regularly water the sidewalk.
Check local suppliers for erosion control techniques — erosion control fabrics, mulch blankets, filters and mats, catch basins. Each conservation effort does make a difference!
