Stormwater management is the effort to reduce runoff of
rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns and other sites and the
improvement of water quality, according to the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
When stormwater is absorbed into the soil, it is filtered and ultimately
replenishes aquifers or flows into streams and rivers. However, when heavy
rainwater hits, ground saturated by water creates excess moisture that runs
across the surface and into storm sewers and road ditches. This water often
carries debris, chemicals, bacteria, eroded soil, and other pollutants, and
carries them into streams, rivers, lakes, or wetlands.
So, how does stormwater management help?
In developed areas, impervious surfaces such as pavement and roofs prevent
precipitation from naturally soaking into the ground. Detaining stormwater
and removing pollutants is the primary purpose of stormwater management.
Pervious surfaces that are porous and allow rainfall and snowmelt to soak
into the soil, such as culverts, gutters, storm sewers, restore, or mimic
the natural water cycle.
How can you help?
Educating yourself on where rainwater and snowmelt flow on your property
when it doesn’t get absorbed into the ground is a huge first step.
Implementing best management practices to reduce runoff and to make sure
that it is clean when it leaves your property is the next step.
Use this link to access the NJDEP Stormwater website and learn more about
protecting our stormwater system:
https://www.nj.gov/dep/stormwater/
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