Looking for more ways to help protect local creeks and streams?
Check out these 10 Things You Can Do to Protect Stormwater, and follow #KnowtheFlowNWA on social media for more ideas!
Dealing with Drainage Issues
Step 2: Select the Best Stormwater Management Practice for Your Drainage Issues
Do you have drainage issues on your urban property? Select your area of concern below to find possible solutions. Not sure what's your area of concern? See step 1 on surveying.
Areas of Concern & Possible Tools
Runoff Generated from Hard Surfaces
Low Spots in Yard that are Prone to Ponding
Runoff Generated from Roof
Possible tools:
- redirect downspouts
- rain barrels
- dry well
- rain garden
- disconnecting impervious surfaces
- berms
- bioswale
- dry creek beds
- french drain
- cisterns
- plant trees
Runoff Generated from Hard Surfaces
Possible tools:
Low Spots in Yard that are Prone to Ponding
Possible tools:
Erosion on Sloped Areas
Possible tools:
Pet Waste Area
Possible tools:
Oil Spots on Driveways
Check your car or truck for leaks. If you have a leak, place an absorbent towel made for catching leaks under your vehicle until you can have it fixed. If you spill oil while maintenance, use kitty litter or sand to absorb and then sweep up spill.
Bare Spots in Yard
Ideally, all exposed soil will be covered to keep erosion from happening. Find the right plant for the right place. If you are trying to grow grass in a shady area under a tree, make sure it is a grass that can grow well in shade. If no vegetation will grow, consider using rocks or other materials to cover the soil to keep erosion from happening.
Stored Materials Outside
Make sure that potential stormwater pollutants like used car batteries, fertilizers, and pesticides are store indoors or under cover
Litter in Yard
Check trash cans to make sure lids are always closed and secure from opening in the wind and there are no holes in the bottoms of receptacles.
Depending on where your stormwater is coming from and what tool you decide to use, you may need to calculate the stormwater being generated on your property. To do so, continue to Step 3