The Importance Of Well-Planned Stormwater Management

Stormwater management is a crucial step toward controlling and managing rainwater runoff from urban areas so that it doesn’t overwhelm natural waterways, degrade water quality, and cause flooding. Stormwater is an organic weather byproduct that seeps into pervious surfaces such as rural farmlands and forests, resulting in little or no runoff. However, there is no space for water to infiltrate the ground in impervious landscapes such as urban expanses, resulting in an overwhelming amount of runoff that then floods natural waterways; often carrying with it a slew of pollutants, bacteria, and eroded soil.

Stormwater management helps to reduce runoff from urban areas such as streets, parking areas, lawns, and other developed spaces, thereby reducing the detrimental impact it has on the environment and living conditions if left untreated in the long run.

Every city handles stormwater differently. A well-planned stormwater management is necessary and shows favorable results in the aftermath of heavy rains and inclement weather conditions. Here’s a detailed look at why it is so important.

Keeps Flooding in Check

Without a proper stormwater management strategy, urban areas can devolve into chaos during heavy rains. Cities can swiftly flood following a heavy downpour, inflicting substantial damage to homes, properties, and livelihoods. Rainwater drains quickly in urban spaces due to drainage systems and contributes to rising stream levels.

There is less land dedicated to vegetation, which would otherwise slow down such precipitation runoff. At such a time, well-planned stormwater management is a crucial process that makes these areas resilient to flooding.

Ensures Seamless Hydrologic Cycle

Stormwater management plays an important role in preserving nature's hydrologic cycle. A healthy hydrologic cycle regulates factors such as pathogens and sediments within the ecosystem and guarantees that water is made available to both marine life and fauna as well as humans.

A poorly managed stormwater process can obstruct the vital processes of groundwater recharge and soil replenishment, both of which are critical parts of the hydrologic cycle that help to support vegetation, aquatic life, and clean water for human consumption and use.

Keeps Water Pollutants at Bay

Plastic, metallic components, grease, pesticides, chemicals, and oil are all contaminants in urban areas that are carried across to natural water bodies via runoff. These contaminants can affect the quality of water available to animals and humans when they enter streams, rivers, and lakes and infiltrate groundwater sources. Stormwater management successfully prevents such undesirable substances from entering major water sources, maintaining clean, high-quality water for all.

Protects Against Soil & Stream Erosion

Stormwater is one of the major causes of soil erosion. It degrades the quality of soil necessary for agriculture by washing away rich, organic topsoil. This not only impacts agricultural output but also incurs extra costs as farmers endeavor to create a favorable environment for their farmland.

Stormwater management aids in preventing erosion by containing the speed and amount of runoff that might otherwise overwhelm waterbodies. Swollen water bodies overflow their banks and flood the surrounding areas, inflicting agricultural and property damage.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are frequently used in stormwater management. These may incorporate elements like detention ponds, implementation of porous pavement, and other vegetative and managerial BMPs like pollution prevention. Consult a site management company to learn more about these practices today.