Washed Away
When it rains, it pours, and depending on where you live, it could even mean a flood. Flooding and water damage can be a very costly occurrence for homeowners, especially those that live in areas prone to high water. Because of this reason, people who live outside a normal community or city need to have a stormwater plan in place.
A stormwater management plan is a way of handling excess water from rains or floods that keep your home safe while having minimal to no impact on surrounding areas.
A decorative drainage culvert alongside a building. Photo Taken By: La Citta Vita
Improving the Water
Not only is the volume of water an issue, but storm water can cause other issues with local water quality. As precipitation falls, it can wash over impermeable surfaces such as pavement and other structures. This can carry debris, sediment and chemical particulate matter that can seep into surrounding watersheds and have a negative impact on the water quality as well as the native wildlife.
This problem is especially common in construction sites where the soil is already loose or there are more chemicals or raw building materials present. Because of these issues, the EPA has certain sanctions in place that all future homeowners need to be aware of, especially if you’re building outside an already established community.
Protecting Your Home and the Environment
There are many different ways that you can protect your home from the ravages of excess rain. A typical community has storm drains that allow the excess water to run down into the sewers, which are then directed to the local water treatment facility. However, this might not always be possible, especially if you desire to live further away. Fortunately, there are ways to not only divert the flow of storm water, but add a desired touch of beauty to your surrounding landscape.
Drain pipes offer a quick and simple solution. A culvert can divert heavy flow to a drainage ditch which keeps the water in place till it can seep into the ground. These can be placed under the drive way to keep water from eroding the soil and causing damage to the pavement. While it is a very simple solution, it might create a bit of an eyesore for some homeowners.
A french drain, which is a perforated drain pipe buried under gravel, might be a better answer as they can be hidden from view and even covered with grass. Both out of sight and out of mind, but still performing a very essential function of keeping your house from flooding.
For the crafty DIY types, or those who aren’t afraid to get their hand dirty, and runoff ditch filled with river rocks is a perfect answer. This creates a beautiful landscape feature that not only diverts water, but helps to naturally filter it as well. A green way to protect both your home and the environment.
Which ever method you chose as a stormwater plan, it’s important to make sure it’s safe, effective and approved by the local zoning authority. Having a successful stormwater plan can not only save you a lot of time and heartache from preventing basement floods, but with a little planning and some imagination can also help to add to the natural beauty of the land that surrounds your home.
+Ken Uhrich likes houses. In fact he lives in one. You can drop him a line at the Custom Home Group website.