Solutions to Surface Runoff

What can we do to prevent surface runoff?
The obvious answer to this question is to end pollution entirely. But for that to occur the entire way our civilization functions needs to be put on hold and completely remodeled. This is entirely out of the question considering that humans enjoy the comfortable lifestyle that we live. But there are small changes we can make to help decrease the amount of pollution in our runoff.


Mitigations of the environmental impacts of runoff that are already underway include;
Low Impact Development:
This term referes to an engineering technique that is an approach to mitigating storm water runoff. Some benefits include; reduced downstream erosion, improved groundwater recharge, reduced upland habitat impacts, and reduces impervious surfaces. This technique focuses on land conservation and using on-site natural features to protect water quality.




Pervious Concrete:

Concrete is a huge contributor to the pollution in the runoff water because of it's impervious properties. Without pores the water is unable to be reabsorbed by the ground and instead runs off into storm drains and gutters bringing along with it the chemicals absorbed along the way. Grasscrete is pervious paving alternative solution to concrete. Studies have shown that grasscrete help in reducing runoff, reducing rate of evaporation of ground water in hot climates, flood alleviation, and land           drainage channels.

Permeable Paving:

Permeable paving is a proven technique that helps manage surface water runoff caused by the presence of paved surfaces. Surfaces such as these help decrease the amount of pollutants that reach the water. Pollutants are absorbed by the soil, allowing the water to reach ground water recharge. It also gives trees the growing space they need for their roots.

Putting these decals over stormwater grates just simply isn't good enough. Actions need to be made to help protect the future.