subject: Storm Water Systems The Story To Tell [print this page] There are a lot of good things that rainfall and snow melt give to our environment namely keeping our gardens moist and green, making streams and rivers full of water and preventing our wells from running dry. However, there are also negative sides to this particular good thing. When there is too much of a good thing, storm water can occur almost inevitably. Infiltration and filtering processes of water fail secondary to various things such as pollution and changes in land use.
When rain pours, the water reaches the ground and the next processes entirely depend on what type of land cover it pours upon. When rainwater is pouring in forests, the water is slowed down, filtered and absorbed by the soil as it flows on the ground towards the streams, river or water reservoir. However, when rainwater pours on a hard, impervious ground such as roof tops and cemented roads or surfaces, the water will run off into the nearest ditch, culvert, storm drain or streams.
As the water flows on the impervious surfaces, it gathers up dirt and other pollutants that can mix up with it like gas, oil, heavy metals, nutrients and sediments. When the stormwater is uncontrolled, it can erode stream banks that will lead to flooding, which will carry out the gathered substances downstream.
Storm water systems make sure that the water is controlled in an efficient and effective manner to prevent the expansion of oxygen-depleted end or dead zones such as in the local waterways. It is a one of the great challenges of systems to maintain maximum performance in keeping the waterways free from the end effect of stormwater.
Stormwater systems exist to improve the quality of water running off on impervious surfaces and reduce the quantity of the runoff to prevent overwhelming the natural waterways. The role of stormwater BMPs is undeniably important to prevent the worsening of pollution and flooding. These systems exist both on residential and commercial areas to have a joint effort in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
In addition to storm water systems, the residents and concerned citizens are asked to do even little things in order to support the existing programs that preserve the vitality of our environment. Little things like picking up after the litter of our pets, appropriate storage of motor oil, paint and antifreeze substances, composting yard waste, recycling and appropriate fertilizing practices. All of these little things can make a big difference.
