Reducing Stormwater Runoff

Managing Stormwater Presentation 12/13/2022

Reducing Stormwater Runoff

There are many ways to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff coming from your property. A few choices include:

"CAPTURE" THE RAIN

Popular options:

Plant native trees
Establish a "layered garden" of groundcovers, shrubs and trees
Replace grass lawn with shrubs and trees
Place planters or raised garden beds on hard (impervious) ground
AMBITIOUS OPTION: Build a green roof

Did you know: A PNW conifer intercepts and transpires as much as 30% of the rain that falls on it each year. (Herrera Environmental Consultants, 2008)

House with a red barrel attached to the gutter drain collecting rain

"COLLECT" THE RAIN

Popular options:

Create a rain barrel water harvesting system
Install a stormwater planter
AMBITIOUS OPTION: Install a rain collection cistern (we recommend hiring a professional designer)

Did you know: ¼” of rain falling on a 1,400 SF roof will generate over 200 gallons of runoff in a brief storm!

Important information: Collected rainwater often has significant contaminants that must be removed before the water is considered safe for consumption. For regulation purposes, the Washington Department of Health’s Office of Drinking Water considers rainwater to be surface water subject to the requirements of the Surface Water Treatment Rule. If you want to use rainwater as your sole water supply when building a new home, contact your local county planning department. More information about Rainwater collection can be found at Department of Ecology website.

Mix of grasses and flowered plants by a road

"DISPERSE" THE RAIN

Popular options:

Use planted buffers to filter and absorb water and nutrients
Remove or replace hard surfaces that create stormwater runoff
Install a rain garden
Install a bog garden (great for amphibians!)
Use pervious/ permeable materials for parking areas, driveways, patios, etc.

Important information: Avoid infiltration on or near slopes, bluffs, structures or septic systems, areas with shallow groundwater, or where you might adversely impact your neighbor.

Click here for more Rain Garden Information

Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington Homeowners

have more questions? Give us a call.