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![]() Cisterns generally have a capacity of 100 gallons or more and can be built aboveground or belowground. The collected water is primarily used for watering landscape or container plants. Rain barrels are commercially available or adapted from existing barrels, and typically have a capacity of 50 to 100 gallons. Rain barrels and cisterns (Figure 3) are two common rainwater harvesting methods that collect and hold roof runoff for later use. (Refer to NebGuide G2148, Stormwater Management: Rainwater Harvesting in Residential Landscapes for descriptions of various rainwater harvesting systems.) However, because water is a valuable resource, it is preferable if the runoff water can be directed to a designed rainwater harvesting system where it is collected and used or allowed to infiltrate under controlled conditions. Besides the filtering benefits of the runoff flowing through the landscape vegetation, additional benefits are derived from the runoff infiltrating into the soil. Simply redirecting a downspout so it discharges onto a lawn, mulched shrub bed, or other planted area instead of an impervious surface such as a driveway can greatly reduce the amount of water and pollutants that leave a property and subsequently reach a water body. Any pollutants collected by the runoff water are carried directly to the receiving water body. Typically, this runoff water then flows to the street, into a storm drain, and to a water body. Municipalities have made a concerted effort to eliminate these connections, often using smoke or dye to detect them.Īnother common practice is to route downspouts so they discharge onto a driveway or other impervious surface (Figure 2). This practice is now strongly discouraged and generally illegal, although sometimes still present, particularly in older sections of some cities. Disconnecting or Redirecting DownspoutsĪt one time, it was common to route building downspouts directly into the sanitary sewer system (Figure 1). Instead, runoff is directed to one or more of the following: a rainwater harvesting system where it is temporarily stored for later use a specifically designed pervious area where it infiltrates into the soil or across a vegetated surface where it is filtered prior to reaching a drainage system or water body. What Is Disconnection?ĭisconnection helps ensure that runoff water from roofs, downspouts, driveways, patios, and other impervious surfaces does not have a direct route to a sanitary sewer, storm drain, or water body. This can help reduce municipal infrastructure costs and improve water quality. Disconnecting downspouts and impervious surfaces are examples. Individuals can do a number of things to reduce both pollutant loading and stormwater runoff from homes, businesses, lots, and other areas. ![]() ![]() All of us need to take an active role in protecting water quality. Under provisions of the Federal Clean Water Act, towns and cities with populations greater than 10,000 are required to reduce the amount of pollution contained in stormwater runoff as well as reduce and better manage runoff volumes. In fact, it is illegal in most municipalities to direct stormwater into the sanitary sewer, which would go to a wastewater treatment plant.Īs citizens, we have a responsibility to reduce the effects of stormwater runoff on our environment. Unlike sanitary sewers, and contrary to popular belief, most stormwater from storm drains (storm sewers) is not treated at a wastewater treatment plant instead it flows directly to the receiving water body. Street gutters, storm drains, and other surface drainage systems are designed to rapidly convey runoff to a nearby stream, river, or other water body. As it flows, this runoff can collect and transport soil particles, pesticides, fertilizer, oil and grease, metals, nutrients, bacteria, leaves and grass clippings, litter, animal wastes, and other pollutants. It flows from rooftops, streets, parking lots, sidewalks, driveways, bare soil, sloped lawns, and other areas. Stormwater runoff is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. Stormwater management in both urban and rural areas is a current focus across the United States. Downspout discharging onto impervious surface. Downspout routed into a sanitary sewer connection – an illegal practice.įigure 2.
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