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Stormwater Runoff Smarts

Stormwater Management in Your Backyard

Successful stormwater management is achieved by controlling the quantity and quality of runoff from your property. The overriding of hard impervious surface located on your property (driveways, sidewalks, roofs, etc.). Reduce these hard, impenetrable surface areas and you can reduce problems associated with excess stormwater runoff. Stormwater quality, however, is governed by the accumulation of pollutants on the entire surface area of your property, regardless of whether it is grassed or paved.
The greater your use of chemicals around the home such as fertilizers, pesticides, engine oils, deicing materials, etc., the more degraded the stormwater runoff from your property will be. Although your effect on stormwater quality and quantity may seem inconsequential, the cumulative impact of runoff from hundreds of thousands of yards surrounding Long Island Sound has been destructive. Below you will find tips for reducing the quantity and improving the quality of runoff from your backyard.

These Activities Will Minimize Stormwater Runoff From Your Property

Limit the amount of impervious surfaces to your landscape. Instead, use permeable paving surfaces such as wood decks, bricks, and concrete lattice to allow for water to soak into the ground.

Allow “thick” vegetation or “buffer strips” to grow alongside waterways to slow runoff and soak up pollutants.

Plant trees, shrubs, and ground cover. They will absorb up to fourteen times more rainwater than a grass lawn and they don’t require fertilizer.

These Activities Will Reduce Fertilizer, Pesticide and Sediment Runoff

Use natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. If you must use them, test your soil to determine the appropriate amount.

If a lawn care company services your lawn, make certain it is not applying “blanker applications” of fertilizers and pesticides. Ask if they have conducted soil tests and pest analysis to determine appropriate applications.

Resod or reseed bare patches in your lawn as soon as possible to avoid erosion.

Further information concerning pesticide usage may be found at http://www.dec.state.ny.us.