Ways to Help Limit Stormwater Runoff Volume

INSTALL A RAIN GARDEN
Rain Garden A rain garden is a planted shallow depression designed to catch and filter rainfall runoff.  The garden captures rain from a downspout or a driveway.  The water sinks into the ground, aided by deep rooted plants that like wet and dry conditions.  A residential rain garden should dry out between rains and should only hold water for approximately 24 -72 hours.  This timeframe prevents standing water that could create mosquito habitat.  For more information on how to create your own rain garden, please visit: 

www.raingardennetwork.com

http://www.crcwatersheds.org/rain-gardens.html

Rain Garden
Rain Garden Planting at the Township Municipal Building 2015

Pictures taken by Tom Crane
Rain Barrell
INSTALL A RAIN BARREL
Rain Barrell Rain barrels are installed at the bottom of your down-spouts and catch the rain water that comes off the roof.  You can then reuse that water to water your garden or yard.  Please try to empty your rain barrel between rain events to maximize the effectiveness of the rain barrel.  
PLANT TREES AND SHRUBS
Plant Trees As we remove forest canopy and replace it with roads, parking lots, driveways, homes, patios, pools (impervious surfaces) and even grass, we immediately have impact on watersheds and receiving streams.  Planting trees, shrubs and/or plants that have a deep root structure help stormwater infiltrate into the ground.  They also catch rain water on their leaves and branches which helps to reduce the amount of run-off during a storm. For more information on trees to plant in our region, visit www.patrees.org