Stormwater runoff comes from rainwater and snowmelt that flows off land or impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, driveways, lawns, and streets. Runoff can pick up pollutants from paved surfaces, such as sediment, bacteria, pesticides, fertilizer, and more. Unmanaged runoff can cause a number of issues including flooding, pollution, and streambank erosion. One of the most effective ways to mitigate stormwater runoff is by installing Green Infrastructure to capture the excess water and prevent it from flowing downstream into our streams, rivers, and ocean.
MM has been working with partners to reduce stormwater runoff and its impacts to protect our watersheds and the health of the Bay. If you are interested in installing Green Infrastructure such as rain gardens, rain barrels, or permeable pavement on your property at a discounted rate, please sign up below.
PC: thbing.com
Rain Gardens
A rain garden is a landscaped, shallow depression planted with native plants that captures and filters stormwater back into the ground. It is designed to reduce the flow rate, total quantity, and pollutant load of runoff from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots, and compacted lawn areas.
Rain gardens can:
- Beautify your home or property
- Protect your property and community from flooding
- Provide habitat for bees, birds, butterflies, and other native pollinators and wildlife
- Improve air quality and reduce your carbon footprint
- Reduce water pollution locally and regionally
- Cut down expenses for homeowners compared with traditional pipe and drain systems
Rain Barrels
A rain barrel is a low-cost water conservation device that can decrease stormwater runoff into waterways by sitting underneath a building’s downspout and collecting water from the roof during each rain event.
Rain barrels can:
- Collect free water to use on lawns, gardens, and indoor plants.
- Reduce water bills
- Conserve water resources
- Prevent runoff and water pollution
Permeable Pavement
Permeable pavements are a stormwater control that allows stormwater to infiltrate through the surface of the pavement to the ground below – a green infrastructure alternative to traditional impervious surfaces.
Permeable pavement can:
- Reduce runoff and water pollution
- Create healthier soil and thriving plant life
- Reduce the need for conventional drainage features, lowering construction and maintenance costs
- Reduce flooding and soil erosion on your property
- Beautify your home with green infrastructure
- Create a longer-lasting, durable, and crack-resistant surface compared with conventional concrete
