When talking about stormwater solutions, most usually associate the term with city-scale methods such as pipe installation and huge tanks to hold stormwater runoff. Many fail to realize that stormwater solutions are also applicable in their own homes. Anything in your home designed to stop water from dripping from your ceiling or flooding your garage is considered as a stormwater solution.
The first and largest form of stormwater solution in your home is the roof. The roof of your house is designed to protect your home from both intense sunlight and heavy rain. A good roof is always shaped in a way that prohibits water from accumulating on it, and is usually sloped or flat, with grooves to help facilitate water flow. Dome-shaped roof designs are uncommon but are just as effective as the traditional styles.
Along the roof edges are your second line of defense against stormwater. Gutters catch the water from the roof and channel them into a pipe that usually leads to the underground waterways or dry wells. They help prevent water from trickling down on areas such as the front porch or the driveway. Gutters should be checked regularly for rust or clogging.
Once the stormwater has passed through the gutter, it can be directed to a dry well. A dry well is basically an underground pipe designed to help absorb stormwater runoff from above the ground. Dry wells also help replace groundwater, which can later be used for drinking and other purposes. It is also relatively easy to install, making it one of the most practical stormwater solutions available for your home.
Many homes have partially elevated flooring in order to prevent flood from entering the house. Elevating the house a few inches above the ground might not seem much, but it can make a difference between staying dry and having a flooded house during a strong rain. The simplest stormwater solutions can sometimes be the most effective ones.
Another, less known form of stormwater managementBMP(best management practice) is the presence of plants and good landscape design. Plants serve as natural flood protection, absorbing significant quantities of stormwater and preventing potential damage such as erosion by holding the soil together. Planting small trees and bushes around your house helps the soil absorb more water and reduces runoff.