Stormwater Management
Stormwater is excess water from rain or melting snow that flows across the landscape.
Stormwater runoff accumulates from off of rooftops, paved areas, bare soil, and lawns. It gathers in increasingly large amounts (from puddles, to wetlands, to ditches, to streams, to lakes and rivers) until it flows into the ocean.
Stormwater runoff can change both water quality and quantity affecting our water resources physically, chemically and biologically. If stormwater is left untreated it can lead to a decrease in:
- Fish and Wildlife Habitat
- Swimability
- Recreation
- Aesthetics
- Water Clarity
- Property Value
Contaminants in stormwater include: Sediment, Pet Waste, Grease, Fertilizers, Nutrients, Heavy Metals, Garbage, Pathogens, Automobile Fluids, and Deicing Products.
The Strategy
Prevent soil particles which transport the nutrients and contaminants from entering lakes, rivers and wetlands.
Slow the storm water down to allow the sediment within the storm water to settle out of suspension and/or increase the time it takes for the storm water to reach our lakes, rivers and wetlands. This allows more opportunities for vegetation to filter out the sediment and other contaminants.
Best Management Practices
Best Management Practices (BMP's) are tools used to slow down, redirect, infiltrate, and capture stormwater.
Some BMP's include:
Buffers Redirect Stormwater Raingardens Vegetated Swales Infiltration Trenches Capture and Reuse
Native Buffers
Buffers are designated areas of vegetation set between impervious surfaces (roof tops, roadways, parking lots, etc...) and lakes, streams, and wetlands. Vegetated buffers provide wildlife habitat, control erosion, infiltrate stormwater, capture nutrients, and preserve natural beauty.
Rain Gardens
Homeowners across Stearns County are recognizing the benefits of purposely planted rain gardens, shallow depressions planted with native vegetation that soak up rain water, mainly from roof tops, sidewalks and/or driveways. After a rain event, the rain garden collects runoff from the surrounding area and stores it for a maximum of 24 - 48 hours until the water slowly filters into the ground. Compared to a conventional patch of lawn, a rain garden allows approximately 30% more water to soak into the ground.