Stormwater, as the name implies, is excess water that remains after a storm. Typically stormwater seeps into our lawns and fields and sometimes joins the sewers, which honestly doesn’t seem like a problem. However, there are several significant downsides to stormwater run offs.
For instance, stormwater can cause unexpected flooding, possibly leading to severe property damage. Flooding caused by stormwater is also harmful to our soil and vegetation. This is because the runoff can mingle with pollutants and carry them to our lawns.
If you own or manage a commercial property, you should definitely be cautious about such runoffs. This is especially true if the building is located in a storm-prone area. That’s why we’ve compiled some excellent stormwater management tips in this article:
Install ‘Green Roofs’
Typical clay or asphalt roofs are quite impervious and therefore ideal locations for stormwater to accumulate. In contrast, ‘green roofs’ are completely covered with different kinds of plants, meaning that most of the excess water will be drained by their roots.
In addition, ‘green roofs’ significantly reduce the levels of atmospheric pollution in the immediate surroundings and can save you a ton in terms of energy costs. Plus, they’re also very nice pleasing to look at!
Drain It
Probably the most effective way to get rid of stormwater is to drain it. That’s what all the storm drains beneath the curbs are for. However, the reality is that you if live in a location which experiences a lot of downpour, you’ll also have to install your own drainage solution.
In that case, we highly recommend installing a precast concrete sewer pumping station in your property. Most sewer pumps can also drain stormwater, effluent and trade waste, and they’re very effecting at doing it.
Use Rain Barrels
Sometimes the solution is quite simple. Whenever there’s heavy rainfall, all you need to do is place a rain barrel underneath each roof downspouts. Afterwards, you can use transport the water from your property to a field and drain it into the soil.
Construct a Rain Garden
This is just like your average small garden, except it’s specifically designed to drain stormwater. A rain garden is typically depressed so that the excess water can’t runoff. Also, in order for it to be effective, you have to pick plants that have deep roots and can thrive in both wet and dry conditions.
However, you should take care not to design a rain garden that holds water for more than a day. This can cause your property to become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Redo the Parking Lot
If you’ve got a parking lot on your commercial property, then consider the replacing its impervious surface with something like porous asphalt. This will allow stormwater seep through, preventing the formation of runoffs.
This is definitely a considerable investment and we’d only recommend it if the particular locations experiences regular showers.
Stop Moving Your Lawns So Much
If you’ve got patches of lawn grass around your property, you may want to stop trimming the grass regularly. While a manicured lawn is pleasing to the eyes, it’s basically useless when it comes to draining stormwater. Instead we recommend that you allow the grass to achieve height of at least four inches.
And there you have it- six ways to managing and preventing stormwater runoffs.
