By Charmaine Peters, Farm Director, Arden
Farmers and gardeners are often concerned with conserving water to protect our crops in times of drought. We don’t always spend time thinking about the opposite problem of too much water.
Heavy rain can become flood runoff and carry pollutants from your yard, such as nitrates from fertilizers, into the streets. Once on the pavement, the flood waters pick up additional pollutants, including motor oil, toxic metals, and harmful bacteria.
Stormwater runoff impacts the water we drink, the seafood we eat, and the rivers, lakes, and beaches we play in. Runoff is often dumped into the same drainage pipes that are used for home sewage and industrial waste. When stormwater exceeds capacity the system overflows, releasing raw sewage into our waterways.
Disease-causing bacteria enter our recreational areas through rainwater runoff causing a range of public health issues, including digestive illnesses, liver disease, skin outbreaks, asthma and more.
What can you do to help?
We can all help improve water quality by decreasing the amount of stormwater that leaves our yards. Soil and plants in your home landscape can help capture and filter rainwater or irrigation water before it becomes runoff.
Rain Barrels
Install barrels next to your home to capture rain. Water your plants or wash your car using water from your roof.
Rain Gardens
This is basically a median or a small yard area designed as a basin and planted with perennial native plants that trap water from roofs, sidewalks, and street runoff. According to the Groundwater Foundation, a typical rain garden is 30 percent more absorbent than a conventional lawn.
Mature Trees
Tree canopies catch rainfall in the air. The root system also plays a role in water infiltration by aerating the soil. This allows the rain to seep down into groundwater. Planting trees has many other environmental benefits, including shade for people and wildlife.
You can play an important role in keeping water safe for all of us.