subject: Protecting Your Water Supply [print this page] Protecting Your Water Supply Protecting Your Water Supply
When one mentions the word, "stormwater," he or she does not necessarily mean water caused by a storm. The term, "stormwater,"is actually water that originates from any precipitation event. It is also the term used to denote water originating from snowmelt or runoff water from overwatering that enters the stormwater system. So why are many people concerned about it?
The presence of stormwater raises two issues the issue of flood control and water supply as well as the issue of pollution. The former is related to the volume as well as the timing of runoff water. On the other hand, thelatter is brought about by the potential contaminants that might be present in the water. In a nutshell, anything that you would be dumping into the storm drain could have an effect on your water supply.
Fortunately, protecting your water supply need not be a daunting task. There are actually a number of stormwater management and BMPs that one can avail of including planning and constructing storm water systems in order to remove contaminants even before they can pollute surface water as well as groundwater sources.
If you would like to do your own storm water bmp, one of the things that you have to remember is to dispose your waste properly. For example, instead of dumping your motor oil to just about anywhere, put it in a clean container and take it to an approved collection site. An alternative would be to bring it to full-service gas stations, discount stores, and auto parts stores. The same also goes for household hazardous waste. Toxic wastes should be brought to the nearest collection center for disposal.
Storm water management professionals also recommend the practice of xeriscape. This is the process of using native plants as well as plants that could easily adapt to your area. Aside from lowering your water bill, xeriscape actually allows you to manage water runoffs without a sweat. You also get to keep away from having to use inorganic fertilizers that could contaminate your water supply via the runoffs.
Another storm water bmp that you can practice at home is proper landscaping which can help prevent most of your erosion problems. By putting up retaining walls as well as barriers, you can prevent your soil from washing away into your drain as silt.
