Every drop of water carrying sediment, dirt, and wastes that we can keep on land recharges our groundwater, keeps our ocean waters clean, and aquatic plants and animals healthy.   Every Drop Counts!

 

3. Seek ways to keep rainwater run-off on the property such as: 

• Increase the number of plants and trees so the water can soak in to the ground. Tip!  Some good ground cover plants are native ‘ilima and pōhinahina that can handle both wet and dry conditions. 

 

• Plant shrubs and trees between the property and nearby waterways to act as buffers to filter out pollutants.

 

• Direct runoff water from rooftops and parking areas to landscaping, swales or planter boxes.

• Build terraces, rain gardens, and swales to catch rain and sediment and avoid run
  off and erosion.
  
  

• Contain bare soil during landscaping/renovation projects by using silt filters and covers. 
  Note: Bare soil from construction and landscaping projects are the leading sources of urban sediment!
  
  

• Install permeable pavement, pavers or gravel in parking areas, driveways and walkways.   
  These allow the water to filter into the soil below and can look very aesthetically pleasing.