The Importance of Stormwater Management & Stormwater Harvesting Systems

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Stormwater Management & Stormwater Harvesting Systems

Areas that experience high rainfall are at risk of flooding and need stormwater management and many times implement stormwater harvesting systems. Without any mitigation, runoff from rainfall can cause expensive water damage depending on intensity. A stormwater system is one way to manage this runoff. It exists in nature as wetlands, which hold the most water. It is a system that is artificially replicable. A manufactured rainwater detention system allows greater customization in shape and size, making it adaptable to urban areas with space constraints.

Retention Basin

A stormwater retention basin holds water for an average of three days. During this time, most of it seeps through the soil and into underground aquifers. This basin is easy to construct, either in a flat landscape or a natural depression. The grass is grown on its slopes for stability and filtration purposes. The basin does not drain, as the goal is to prevent the water from reaching larger water bodies.

Swales

Among stormwater retention systems, swales are easier to construct. These are open systems designed in the form of a shallow ditch. They encourage water absorption into the underground and channel the water to other waterways, including streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes.

Buffer Strips

Trees, shrubs, and grasses provide a reliable buffer to stormwater. The planting design should have individual zones of trees, shrubs, and grasses. This configuration effectively reduces solids in the water and diminishes its velocity, reducing its potential to cause damage.

Wet and Dry Stormwater Detention Solutions

Dry retention systems hold stormwater for 72hours to absorb into the soil. When the water levels rise above the system’s capacity in severe storms, excess water flows through an overflow channel to prevent flooding. A wet detention system is the most familiar, as it exists in nature as a pond or wetland. This system allows the water to settle and percolate through the soil. Following a storm, some of the water is allowed to flow out. This flow channel is higher than the bottom to prevent the water from draining out completely. The remnant water forms the pond. Depending on the objectives of the pond, it is enriched with aquatic vegetation to help with filtration and support life. This stormwater harvesting strategy allows the pond to serve as an oasis for local wildlife on a large enough scale.

The Importance of Stormwater Systems

These retention systems are vital for water management. Buildings, roads, and other permanent structures inhibit runoff from returning to the water cycle in urban areas. These systems attempt to complete the cycle, ensuring that this water remains on channels distinct from sewer lines.

Commercial stormwater detention solutions minimize or eliminate the risk of flooding. Concrete covers all city surfaces, but it has poor permeability. Water from rain quickly collects and causes damage and loss of life through flooding if not managed.

Stormwater retention prevents erosion on streams and rivers. While some erosion is typical in these waterways, the degree increases exponentially after a storm. The volume and flow rate can erode banks and beds, consequently affecting the plant and animal lives that these rivers support.

Water Harvesting Solutions offer quality stormwater management systems. Please call us at 800-580-5350 or click the link for a free quote. Free Estimate.

Tags: stormwater management, stormwater harvesting systems