In the last few years we’ve seem some of the biggest storms hit America – this includes Hurricane Ike, Katrina and Alicia, all of which have caused up to billions of dollars worth of damages due to the floods they created. This damage could have been prevented with the use of more efficient water management. You don’t need to be a scientist or engineer to participate in making your neighborhood’s water management systems more efficient. You can take action in your own way:
1. Keep a keen eye on how efficiently your street’s drainages are working. An immediate flood after a rain, even a low one a few inches in height, could signal moderate to severely clogged storm water systems. Report these floods right away to your local government since the damage tends to get exponential when it is left unattended.
2. Do not litter. This is a golden rule in environmental preservation. Never throw your garbage, even the smallest ones, into sewage drains. If you see trash, pick it up, even it is not yours. Keep your home’s driveway clean. Immediately after a rain, clean up your driveway for any trash that might have been flowed in.
3. Keep a large trash can outside your home. This is not only for your own purpose but also to encourage passers-by to throw their trash properly instead of on the street. Even the smallest garbage – such as a cigarette butt or crumpled candy wrapper – could severely clog our storm water systems.
4. Take time out to weed your garden. Some gardens and yards that are not maintained properly tend to grow weeds which eventually cover drains. This prevents the water from properly receding. Make sure to remove these weeds and always keep your drain clear and uncovered for efficient storm water management.
5. Landscape your yard. By doing this, you will prevent eroded areas that let water flow into the street or even into your home. This is one of the key standards in storm water management bmp or best management practices.
These are just some of the steps to effective storm water management. Contact your local water management office for volunteer work if you would like to take a more proactive step in environmental care.