If you live in a region that experiences torrential rains or snowfall every year, then you know how tough life can be in the aftermath of such events. Stormwater management is a program that is geared towards mitigating the damage caused by runoff rainwater of melted snow to our lawns, streets and public facilities. It is one of the programs under the United States environmental protection agency (EPA).

What is stormwater?

Stormwater refers to runoff that occurs after heavy torrential rains or from melting snow. Normally when it rains, the water percolates into the soil where it replenishes aquifers or better yet flows into rivers and streams. However, during heavy rains, the ground becomes saturated and can no longer absorb the excess water. This excess runoff is what is referred to as stormwater. Most Urban and developed areas have pavements and sophisticated roofing systems which prevent downpour and melting snow from naturally percolating into the ground.

The resulting runoff rapidly rushes into storm drains and sewer systems resulting in flooding, sanitary overflow, habitat destruction, infrastructure damage among other catastrophes. The stormwater management program is part of the green infrastructure approaches that aim to capture and reuse stormwater to restore natural hydrology systems. Therefore the primary goal of stormwater systems is to infiltrate stormwater and avert pollution.

EPA emphasizes the use of porous surfaces that allow runoff to soak and infiltrate into the soil. A stormwater mitigation system will make use of gutters, culverts, storm sewers as well as conventional piping systems that restore and mimic natural hydrologies.

Why is stormwater management important?

Stormwater mitigation systems are essential because excess runoff can destroy property, lead to flooding and erosion which exposes people to a host of environmental and health problems. The drains and ditch systems are designed to channel the runoff away from neighborhoods to the nearest water bodies. If left to run its cause, stormwater can smother habitats for both plants and animals. Also, the water often carries debris and pollutants such as pesticides, oil and galvanized metal which if left to flow into our oceans can threaten aquatic life. The bacteria and chemicals present in the runoff can also promote excessive growth of algae as well as make swimming, fishing, and wading impossible in our oceans and seas.

Conclusion

Municipalities in the U.S are required to apply and enforce all the requirements in the EPA program. The EPA program also regulates all construction activities that may potentially impact stormwater management strategies. Municipalities must have elaborate inspection and enforcement procedures to ensure compliance from all parties involved. They are also responsible for public education and participation to ensure the public is aware of stormwater effects.