Stormwater runoff from rain and snowmelt can cause pollution in natural water sources. Stormwater control involves measures to reduce the discharge of pollutants and hazardous materials into water sources, as well as flood and erosion control. Preventative measures include rain gardens and permeable concrete, while control measures involve pollutant removal systems and cisterns. Government agencies regulate stormwater control, and businesses and property owners may be required to obtain permits and adhere to certain management practices.
Rainwater is rainwater precipitation or snowmelt, as well as water from sources such as car washing or over-watering a lawn. Sometimes, instead of sinking into the ground, this water runoff builds up on impermeable surfaces, such as curbs, paved roads, or driveways. Typically, the water is then channeled into natural or man-made drainage systems which are eventually released into streams, lakes and rivers. This water can lead to pollution in these natural water sources. The adoption and implementation of a plan to reduce the discharge of stormwater pollutants and hazardous materials into water sources is known as stormwater control.
In addition to helping to reduce potential water pollution, stormwater control performs several other functions. It can help with flood and erosion control by regulating the volume of runoff water. Additionally, professionals can plot ways to protect or rehabilitate current natural water sources. Stormwater control can also mean implementing a plan to improve the quality of your runoff water.
Stormwater control typically involves employing a combination of preventative and control measures. Preventive measures are designed to minimize the impact of early water runoff and to reduce both generation and contamination of stormwater runoff. Prevention can include things like building rain gardens, which are small parcels of landscaped land that can help reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollution. Another preventative measure is the use of permeable concrete, which allows water to percolate through the concrete and into a reservoir under the pavement.
Control measures are aimed at capturing excess water flow and removing pollutants. For example, pollutant removal systems can help filter or retain pollutants in stormwater runoff. Cisterns, which are essentially storage tanks used for the purpose of catching precipitation runoff, can help contain stormwater. The water stored in a cistern can then be used for other purposes, such as watering lawns or for flushing the toilet. Shallow depressions in sidewalks, known as channels, can also be used to safely capture small amounts of runoff water.
In some countries, government agencies require some companies to adopt wastewater management plans. For example, under the Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees stormwater control regulations in the United States. A number of state and local governments in the United States have expanded on these federal regulations by adding additional stormwater management requirements. In Europe, stormwater control is regulated by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and in Australia, the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts monitors stormwater regulations.
Businesses commonly affected by stormwater control laws include land and construction developers, construction contractors, and property managers. These companies may be required to obtain permits before starting projects and adhere to certain stormwater management practices. In some countries, property owners may also be subject to ordinances aimed at reducing the effects of storm water. For example, homeowners may be required to minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides on their lawns or dispose of household waste in a certain way to eliminate potential water pollution.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
