Reducing runoff from your property
Private residences contribute stormwater from driveways, walkways and roofs. Additional water is contributed
when cars are washed or driveways hosed.
As a homeowner you can increase the amount of water that infiltrates into the ground
and/or maintain the quality of runoff with a few simple design and landscaping ideas.
- Decrease the amount of impervious surface around
your property. Look at the width of your driveway and
sidewalks. Can the size be reduced and still allow for
safe passage and shoveling? Can you invest in a more
pervious surface? New pavers allow for drainage between
units and reduce the level of runoff.
- Create a map of where the water flows
on your property. Can you redirect water flow away
from the street? Are there low spots that can serve
as holding ponds? These should be well away from the
house and can be landscaped with plants that tolerate
wet conditions (see rain gardens).
By creating gardens in low spots, an otherwise wet
lawn can be drained and attractive landscaping
created. These created gardens add to the beauty of
your property and address rainfall. Downspouts can
be directed to these gardens to allow infiltration
into the ground. Avoid directing a downspout to your
driveway and into the street. This will allow water
to infiltrate into grass and avoid winter icing problems.
- Consider putting in a rain barrel. Read more about rain barrels here.
- Landscape to conserve and treat water. Plantings and trees are much more effective
in trapping water than grass. The smaller the lawn the more effective the water treatment and less mowing is necessary.
Consider constructing a rain garden.
