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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) 
"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. 
                                          
"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.
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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. 

Managing Stormwater Presentation 12/13/2022
Mason Conservation District
450 W Business Park RD
Shelton, WA 98584
Phone: (360) 427-9436
Fax: (360) 427-4396
Mason Conservation District (MCD) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and MCD does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by 40 C.F.R Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights. Contact Rhonda Nydegger, Finance & Administration Manager, for more information. Email: [email protected]  Mail: Mason Conservation District, 450 W Business Park RD, Shelton WA 98584.