Stormwater Runoff
DESCRIPTION
Stormwater runoff, created when rain falls on paved surfaces, can impair streams, reduce water quality and cause flooding. When rain falls on paved surfaces, a much greater amount of runoff is generated than when rain falls over a forested area. These large volumes of water can decrease the health of streams, cause damage to existing structures and decrease water quality through pollution, erosion and flooding. To counteract these effects, municipalities can adopt regulations and create infrastructure that can manage and reduce the negative effects of stormwater runoff.
RATIONALE
By making the built environment act like the natural environment, sustainable best management practices for treating stormwater runoff can reduce flooding, improve water quality and cost less than traditional stormwater management practices.
EFFORT REQUIRED
Implementing effective and sustainable stormwater management in a municipality requires legislation and cross-departmental coordination between the local storm water agency, erosion and sediment control agency, enforcement authority and zoning authorities.
BENEFITS
The following list includes a few of the many benefits to implementing sustainable stormwater best management practices:
- Improve water and stream quality by allowing vegetated areas to trap sediment, debris and particulates that would otherwise enter the waterway
- Avoid and prevent flood damage to homes, roadways, and businesses by reducing the amount of stormwater management
- Replace costly infrastructure and reduce land area of traditional stormwater management techniques
- Increase property values through natural landscaping, open space, wetlands and waterways
RISKS
There are no risks associated with sustainable stormwater runoff best management practices.
ACTION AGENT(S)
- Community groups
- Policymakers
- Local government officials
- Business community
- Zoning officials
- Developers
- Realtors
COSTS
Sustainable stormwater best management practices are typically less costly than conventional methods.
