Storm Water Management - What Exactly Is It?

Let's start with a definition.According to Wikipedia, the term
'Stormwater' is (and I quote) "used to describe water that originates
during precipitation events" (rain). "It may also be used to apply to
water that originates with snowmelt or runoff water from over watering
that enters the stormwater system. Stormwater that does not soak into
the ground becomes surface runoff, which either flows directly into
surface waterways or is channeled into storm sewers, which eventually
discharge to surface waters."So much for today's lesson, but Wikipedia
goes on to explain the concerns that we should all, as a community, be
aware of and vigilant against. Back to Wikipedia quoting
mode...."Stormwater is of concern for two main issues: one related to
the volume and timing of runoff water (flood control and water
supplies) and the other related to potential contaminants that the
water is carrying, i.e. water pollution."So there you have it. It's
official - we now know what is meant by the term stormwater and we
realize that it is a concern. Now for the management part of the
equation.Obviously pollution prevention is the best pathway to a
cleaner environment. If we were to keep the waterways clean we
wouldn't need to remediate the negative effects of pollution. There's
no startling revelation there. But to best understand how we can
prevent water pollution we need to look closely at our storm water
management strategies.Storm water management is the course or act of
taking care of the quantity and quality of storm water. Management of
storm water is crucial, particularly in cities and areas where storm
water runoff is always a problem. You've heard of the land of droughts
and flooding rains.... It's true (in Australia)!Stormwater can be
managed through relatively simple (and inexpensive) manufactured
products and control mechanisms (such as drain wardens ) that are
designed to filter the silt, sediment and solids from dirty storm
water. It can also be managed through policy and procedural
practices.Unlike soils and sand, impervious areas like parking lots,
roads and compacted dirt don't allow rain to seep into the soil. This
is why urban areas generate far more runoff water than rural or
forested locations. Not only does this run off water often carry
pollutants to other waterways, it prevents the essential replenishment
of underground water levels (groundwater).Rain happens regularly
(washed your car lately?). When the runoff comes into contact with the
pollutants left by... us, then the bad stuff is transported along with
the run off. Guess where to?Think back to the last time you went to a
football game. How did the ground look - around the stands - after the
match? Picture that mess being transported by rain water to the
nearest drain. Tragic, isn't it.In some locations, impure runoff from
streets and freeways can be the largest source of water pollution.
Then there are the other unwanted effects of polluted storm water -
erosion, weed invasion, oil and chemical contamination and litter
pollution. A number of storm water management products are available
to help remove impurities from the runoff water before they enter the
storm water system or even groundwater resources.Management of storm
water may also involve source management. Substances can be controlled
to prevent the discharge of impurities into the ecosystem. Soft
structures like ponds, swales or even wetlands to work alongside
existing or "hard" water drainage systems (like pipes and concrete
channels) can also be effective for managing runoffs.So what should we
do - to play our part. It's important to understand our own impact.
What we do truly does make a difference. Whilst there are regulations
in place to help, it's important to teach others of the importance of
managing our storm water systems. Identify what your risks are. Then
look for a practical solution.Put a drain warden in the storm water
pit - to keep silt and sediment from the drains. Use silt socks, or
containment booms to control run off. Install an isolation valve in
the pit to enable full control in the event of a spill. But along with
all of these solutions, train your staff to prevent pollution.For you
to ponder.