This document discusses downspout disconnection programs in multiple cities. It summarizes programs in Bremerton, Washington; Toronto, Canada; and Portland, Oregon. The Bremerton program educated residents about combined sewer overflows and facilitated separating private stormwater from sewers through site assessments, grants, and ordinances. Over 350 separations were completed, removing 260,000 gallons of stormwater annually. Toronto encourages disconnecting downspouts for free to reduce combined sewer overflows. Portland's program disconnects downspouts and redirects runoff onto lawns through incentives, volunteers, and contractors to reduce runoff and protect watersheds.
Rainwater Tanks and Jars Construction Manual - Rainwater HarvestingSotirakou964
This document provides instructions for constructing cement rainwater jars and tanks. It discusses the materials needed, construction techniques, and installation of rainwater gutters. Rainwater collection is presented as a practical solution to water scarcity issues in rural and remote areas. The manual aims to promote rainwater harvesting at the household and community levels to improve access to safe water.
NH: Homeowner's Guide to Stormwater ManagementSotirakou964
This document provides a homeowner's guide to managing stormwater runoff from residential properties through low impact development techniques. It introduces the concept of stormwater and explains how traditional development can increase runoff and pollution. The guide then describes how low impact development practices like rain gardens and dry wells can help infiltrate and treat stormwater close to its source. It provides instructions for homeowners to estimate their property's stormwater runoff and footprint, test soils, and select appropriate locations for installing low impact development stormwater management practices.
BioFilters for Pollution Removal from Storm WaterSotirakou964
This document provides guidance on using bioswales, vegetative buffers, and constructed wetlands to treat stormwater runoff and remove pollutants. It discusses the soil, biological, and vegetation considerations for these natural systems. It then focuses on design principles for bioswales and constructed wetlands, including vegetation selection, slopes, dimensions, construction, water flow, and maintenance needs. Case studies of different applications in Oregon are also presented. The goal is to help others properly design, implement and maintain these green infrastructure practices to effectively improve water quality.
Rainwater Harvesting for Multi Storied Apartments - Texas A&M Univseristy D7Z
The document discusses the historical background of rainwater harvesting as an ancient practice used worldwide to address water scarcity. It then reviews related literature on how rainwater harvesting has been used at the community level for domestic water supply and irrigation. The literature also examines how rainwater harvesting can help alleviate poverty and promote socioeconomic development.
Rainwater Harvesting Retrofit Strategies: A Guide for Apartment Owners D7Z
This document provides an overview of retrofit strategies that can be implemented by apartment owners and managers to conserve water usage. It discusses both indoor and outdoor retrofit options, identifying strategies with quick paybacks such as installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, as well as strategies involving utility rebates and programs. Outdoor strategies discussed include reducing lawn areas, installing efficient irrigation systems, and using native plants that require less water. The document provides context on typical water usage in apartments and the potential savings from various retrofit measures.
Texas water development board the manual texas on rainwater harvertingPlan Huerta
This chapter discusses the basic components of a rainwater harvesting system, including the catchment surface, gutters and downspouts, leaf screens, first-flush diverters, roof washers, storage tanks, pressure tanks and pumps, and treatment equipment. It focuses on residential or small-scale commercial systems for irrigation and potable water uses. The local health department and building codes should be consulted for system design and construction requirements.
Albuquerque, New Mexico Rainwater Harvesting ManualD6Z
This document provides a guide for rainwater harvesting systems in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It discusses simple rainwater harvesting systems that consist of a catchment area, distribution system, and landscape holding area. The guide describes how to design and construct simple systems, including using roofing as a catchment, gutters and downspouts as a distribution system, and depressed planting beds as holding areas. It emphasizes using native and drought-tolerant plants suited to intermittent water supplies.
ME: Manual on Low Impact Development practices for CommunitiesSotirakou964
This document provides guidance for Maine communities on implementing Low Impact Development (LID) practices at the local level. It aims to help municipalities require basic stormwater management for small development projects using LID. The manual outlines LID standards for new single-family residential development, new non-residential and multifamily development, and retrofits to existing development. It also includes profiles of specific LID practices and example application forms communities can use for project review. The goal is to help communities address stormwater issues from small projects through low-cost and low-maintenance LID approaches.
Rainwater Tanks and Jars Construction Manual - Rainwater HarvestingSotirakou964
This document provides instructions for constructing cement rainwater jars and tanks. It discusses the materials needed, construction techniques, and installation of rainwater gutters. Rainwater collection is presented as a practical solution to water scarcity issues in rural and remote areas. The manual aims to promote rainwater harvesting at the household and community levels to improve access to safe water.
NH: Homeowner's Guide to Stormwater ManagementSotirakou964
This document provides a homeowner's guide to managing stormwater runoff from residential properties through low impact development techniques. It introduces the concept of stormwater and explains how traditional development can increase runoff and pollution. The guide then describes how low impact development practices like rain gardens and dry wells can help infiltrate and treat stormwater close to its source. It provides instructions for homeowners to estimate their property's stormwater runoff and footprint, test soils, and select appropriate locations for installing low impact development stormwater management practices.
BioFilters for Pollution Removal from Storm WaterSotirakou964
This document provides guidance on using bioswales, vegetative buffers, and constructed wetlands to treat stormwater runoff and remove pollutants. It discusses the soil, biological, and vegetation considerations for these natural systems. It then focuses on design principles for bioswales and constructed wetlands, including vegetation selection, slopes, dimensions, construction, water flow, and maintenance needs. Case studies of different applications in Oregon are also presented. The goal is to help others properly design, implement and maintain these green infrastructure practices to effectively improve water quality.
Rainwater Harvesting for Multi Storied Apartments - Texas A&M Univseristy D7Z
The document discusses the historical background of rainwater harvesting as an ancient practice used worldwide to address water scarcity. It then reviews related literature on how rainwater harvesting has been used at the community level for domestic water supply and irrigation. The literature also examines how rainwater harvesting can help alleviate poverty and promote socioeconomic development.
Rainwater Harvesting Retrofit Strategies: A Guide for Apartment Owners D7Z
This document provides an overview of retrofit strategies that can be implemented by apartment owners and managers to conserve water usage. It discusses both indoor and outdoor retrofit options, identifying strategies with quick paybacks such as installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, as well as strategies involving utility rebates and programs. Outdoor strategies discussed include reducing lawn areas, installing efficient irrigation systems, and using native plants that require less water. The document provides context on typical water usage in apartments and the potential savings from various retrofit measures.
Texas water development board the manual texas on rainwater harvertingPlan Huerta
This chapter discusses the basic components of a rainwater harvesting system, including the catchment surface, gutters and downspouts, leaf screens, first-flush diverters, roof washers, storage tanks, pressure tanks and pumps, and treatment equipment. It focuses on residential or small-scale commercial systems for irrigation and potable water uses. The local health department and building codes should be consulted for system design and construction requirements.
Albuquerque, New Mexico Rainwater Harvesting ManualD6Z
This document provides a guide for rainwater harvesting systems in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It discusses simple rainwater harvesting systems that consist of a catchment area, distribution system, and landscape holding area. The guide describes how to design and construct simple systems, including using roofing as a catchment, gutters and downspouts as a distribution system, and depressed planting beds as holding areas. It emphasizes using native and drought-tolerant plants suited to intermittent water supplies.
ME: Manual on Low Impact Development practices for CommunitiesSotirakou964
This document provides guidance for Maine communities on implementing Low Impact Development (LID) practices at the local level. It aims to help municipalities require basic stormwater management for small development projects using LID. The manual outlines LID standards for new single-family residential development, new non-residential and multifamily development, and retrofits to existing development. It also includes profiles of specific LID practices and example application forms communities can use for project review. The goal is to help communities address stormwater issues from small projects through low-cost and low-maintenance LID approaches.
Waterfall, patricia h. (universidad de arizona) harvesting rainwaterPlan Huerta
This document provides guidance on harvesting rainwater for landscape use. It discusses the components of a rainwater harvesting system, including the water supply (rainfall), plant water demands, and the system to move water. Simple systems can direct roof runoff to landscaped areas using gutters, downspouts and berms. Proper plant selection and constructing basins and swales can maximize water storage and direct runoff. Regular maintenance is needed to keep the system functioning well.
Los Angeles Rainwater Harvesting ManualSotirakou964
This document provides a homeowner's guide to harvesting rainwater in Los Angeles. It discusses the benefits of rainwater harvesting such as reducing pollution to local waterways, conserving water, and recharging groundwater. The guide describes various rainwater harvesting methods homeowners can implement, including redirecting downspouts to rain barrels or rain gardens. It provides step-by-step instructions for how to assess a site, measure slopes, and redirect downspouts. The guide also discusses plant selection and maintenance for rain gardens. Overall, the document aims to educate homeowners on simple rainwater harvesting techniques.
This document discusses rainwater harvesting policies and regulations. It begins by outlining the benefits of rainwater harvesting, which include providing an inexpensive water supply, augmenting drinking water supplies, reducing stormwater runoff and pollution, and reducing peak summer water demands. However, rainwater harvesting is not widely addressed by regulations and codes. The document then examines typical domestic and commercial water usage and how rainwater could be used more appropriately for non-potable uses like irrigation and toilet flushing. Key considerations for developing rainwater harvesting policies and regulations include appropriate water quality standards and treatment requirements to prevent cross-contamination based on end uses. Jurisdictions vary in their rules, with some allowing potable reuse and others limiting reuse to
Rain water harvesting & community based flood mapping plan of actionKnnt Thein
The document summarizes a meeting between the Vice President of Myanmar and the Advisory Group of the National Water Resources Committee. They discussed a combined plan of action for a national rain water harvesting campaign and community-based flood mapping campaign in response to floods in 2015. The plan includes an immediate response, medium and long term planning through 2020, with a focus on prevention of future disasters through activities like forest restoration, watershed management, and implementing integrated water resources management.
This document introduces the need for a Green Communities Guide to help municipalities and developers address the challenges of rapid population growth and development in Alberta. Key issues identified through surveys include climate-related water shortages, deteriorating water quality, loss of wildlife habitat and fragmentation, and associated economic and social costs. The guide aims to provide tools and case studies to help communities develop strategies to conserve water, protect water quality, preserve agricultural land and open space, and maintain ecological services through more sustainable land use practices.
Latest of the Ebsford Environmental newsletters, the aim of these is to provide industry and market specific information and advice for any of our clients or peers working on similar projects.
Rainwater Harvesting and Utilisation Project Managers & Implementing AgenciesK9T
This document provides an overview of rainwater harvesting and utilization. It discusses global demographic trends showing increasing urbanization and population growth, creating water scarcity issues. Rainwater harvesting provides multiple benefits like improving groundwater quality and access to water. It has grown in interest globally with initiatives promoting its implementation. The document covers concepts of rainwater harvesting systems and technology, case studies of implementations, and planning/monitoring of projects.
CA: San Francisco: Low Impact Design Toolkit for StormwaterSotirakou964
This document introduces a stormwater management planning charrette focused on integrating green stormwater infrastructure in San Francisco. It provides background on how the natural hydrology of the city has changed with development and explains that low impact design (LID) aims to mimic pre-development water processes. Examples of LID techniques are described like eco-roofs, cisterns, rain gardens and permeable paving. The charrette participants will work in teams to select LID locations within city catchments to meet stormwater goals cost-effectively while providing co-benefits. A toolkit defines each best management practice to inform the activity. The goal is to reduce flooding and sewer overflows through decentralized stormwater management.
This document provides guidelines for rural builders on constructing basic water supply systems. It discusses various small-scale water projects that can be built through simple designs and construction methods, including subsurface dams, hand dug wells, rainwater catchment systems, and small earth dams. The document aims to improve the success and cost-effectiveness of rural water projects by promoting low-cost techniques over more complex engineered solutions. It also provides guidance on contracting, project planning, and operations and maintenance to help ensure projects function properly long-term.
Stewards of the Bay: Lifestyles of Stewardship Z8Y
The document discusses the poor health of the Chesapeake Bay and the threats it faces such as nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, toxic contamination, and climate change. It provides information on effective ways congregations can help improve the Bay's health through practices like installing rain barrels, building rain gardens, implementing low impact development plans, and reducing energy usage. Specific instructions are given on how to construct a rain barrel or garden through a congregation work day with volunteers.
This document provides an introduction to rainwater harvesting, including its benefits and growing global interest. It discusses key global demographic trends like population growth and rapid urbanization, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This is creating challenges for water supply. Rainwater harvesting is presented as a decentralized solution that can help address these challenges in a sustainable way by augmenting freshwater resources. The document outlines the objectives and components of UN-HABITAT's guide on rainwater harvesting and its water for cities programme.
Water Wise: Residential Landscape and Irrigation Guide for Western ColoradoKaila694m
This guide provides best practices for residential water conservation and irrigation in western Colorado. It discusses the importance of being good water stewards given the region's arid climate and finite water resources. The guide covers topics like understanding local soil types, selecting drought-tolerant plants, designing efficient irrigation systems, and using evapotranspiration data to determine optimal watering amounts to prevent overwatering and the pollution of local waterways. The overall goal is to educate residents on landscape and watering practices that save both water and money while preserving the environment.
The WHCRWA is planning for its 2020 conversion milestone which will require bringing surface water from Houston's northeast water purification plant near Lake Houston, a more difficult route than for the 2010 conversion. Engineers are surveying and acquiring easements for a 9-mile water line from the plant and a 30-mile line crossing Harris County. The 2020 conversion will also require 75 miles of distribution lines and expansion of the northeast plant. While construction is years in the future, planning work is underway to meet the 2020 deadline of 70% surface water usage.
North Carolina: Citizen’s Guide To Protecting Wilmington’s WaterwaysSotirakou964
This document is a citizen's guide to protecting Wilmington's waterways through the use of stormwater best management practices (BMPs). It provides information on various BMPs that help reduce pollution and stormwater runoff, including backyard wetlands, riparian buffers, rain gardens, rain barrels, native plantings, and more. For each BMP, it describes what they are and how they protect water quality. It also includes extensive lists of suitable native plants, as well as a watershed map, homeowner brochure, and contacts for local water quality resources. The goal is to educate citizens on simple actions they can take on their property to help protect local water bodies.
Easy Water-Wise Gardening - San Diego, CaliforniaRetiz16x
This document provides resources and advice for designing a water-conserving landscape, including:
- Speaking with landscape architects, contractors, designers, and irrigation consultants who can help design and install water-efficient landscapes.
- Checking local water district websites for plant recommendations, watering guidelines, and conservation tips.
- Viewing recommended websites that offer low-water landscape ideas, irrigation advice, and links to water agencies.
- Consulting local nurseries, which can offer plant selection and irrigation design assistance.
This document provides information on creating a water-thrifty landscape through selecting plants adapted to local precipitation patterns, using alternatives to drinking water for irrigation such as rainwater collection, graywater, and air conditioning condensate, and employing efficient irrigation techniques. It discusses selecting drought-tolerant native plants, limiting lawn areas, using mulches to retain soil moisture, and harvesting rainwater through rain barrels or cisterns. The document recommends irrigating only when needed, using a rain gauge or soil moisture probe to determine when to water, and employing drip irrigation or soaker hoses to apply water slowly and directly to plant roots.
Letter on The Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant 12-11-13 via The Nature Conserv...Save The Great South Bay
This letter requests assistance from the EPA, HUD, and FEMA regional administrators regarding improvements to the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant in Nassau County, NY after damage from Superstorm Sandy. It outlines the need to modernize the plant to reduce nitrogen pollution, consolidate treatment and outfalls, fortify structures to withstand storms, and transition to advanced treatment technology. Relocating the outfall pipe to the Atlantic Ocean is recommended as the current location in a poorly flushed estuary is degrading the environment and impairing uses of the western bays. Improving the sewage infrastructure is critical to protecting public health, the environment, and building more resilient communities in Nassau County.
Case Study No. 9-Philippines’ Integrated Stormwater Managementharoldtaylor1113
The document discusses stormwater management in the Philippines. It begins by defining stormwater and explaining how stormwater runoff can cause pollution and flooding issues in urban areas without proper management. It then discusses stormwater harvesting, which involves collecting, treating, storing and distributing stormwater for reuse. The key aspects of stormwater harvesting systems are collection, treatment, storage and distribution. Twelve principles for integrating effective stormwater practices into the urban landscape are also outlined. Poor stormwater management can lead to downstream flooding, erosion, turbid waters, habitat destruction and contaminated streams/rivers. The Philippines faces challenges with fragmented water agencies, depletion of water resources, and inadequate infrastructure for managing increasing urbanization pressures.
Virginia Rain Gardens Technical Guide
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Group 5 sustainable stormwater management(building services1)kohwenqi
This document provides information on sustainable stormwater management. It begins with an introduction on stormwater and the need for management. Examples of stormwater management techniques are then presented, including rain gardens, bioretention areas, vegetated swales, green roofs, and porous pavement. The installation processes for rain gardens and bioretention areas are described in multiple steps. Advantages and disadvantages of stormwater management are listed. The document concludes with references and appendices.
This document provides information on sustainable stormwater management. It begins with an introduction on stormwater and the need for management. Examples of stormwater management techniques are then presented, including rain gardens, bioretention areas, vegetated swales, green roofs, and porous pavement. The installation processes for rain gardens and bioretention areas are described in multiple steps. Advantages and disadvantages of stormwater management are listed. The document concludes with references and appendices.
Santa Monica CA Rainwater Harvesting ManualSotirakou964
This document provides an introduction and overview of the City of Culver City's Rainwater Harvesting Program. The program aims to help homeowners capture rainwater from their roofs and redirect it to on-site pervious areas or rain barrels to reduce stormwater runoff. Harvesting rainwater provides benefits such as protecting water resources, reducing energy demands, practicing water conservation, and recharging groundwater supplies. The document outlines options for redirecting rainwater and provides guidance on assessing sites, measuring slopes, and installing rain barrels or building rain gardens to harvest rainwater on one's own property.
Waterfall, patricia h. (universidad de arizona) harvesting rainwaterPlan Huerta
This document provides guidance on harvesting rainwater for landscape use. It discusses the components of a rainwater harvesting system, including the water supply (rainfall), plant water demands, and the system to move water. Simple systems can direct roof runoff to landscaped areas using gutters, downspouts and berms. Proper plant selection and constructing basins and swales can maximize water storage and direct runoff. Regular maintenance is needed to keep the system functioning well.
Los Angeles Rainwater Harvesting ManualSotirakou964
This document provides a homeowner's guide to harvesting rainwater in Los Angeles. It discusses the benefits of rainwater harvesting such as reducing pollution to local waterways, conserving water, and recharging groundwater. The guide describes various rainwater harvesting methods homeowners can implement, including redirecting downspouts to rain barrels or rain gardens. It provides step-by-step instructions for how to assess a site, measure slopes, and redirect downspouts. The guide also discusses plant selection and maintenance for rain gardens. Overall, the document aims to educate homeowners on simple rainwater harvesting techniques.
This document discusses rainwater harvesting policies and regulations. It begins by outlining the benefits of rainwater harvesting, which include providing an inexpensive water supply, augmenting drinking water supplies, reducing stormwater runoff and pollution, and reducing peak summer water demands. However, rainwater harvesting is not widely addressed by regulations and codes. The document then examines typical domestic and commercial water usage and how rainwater could be used more appropriately for non-potable uses like irrigation and toilet flushing. Key considerations for developing rainwater harvesting policies and regulations include appropriate water quality standards and treatment requirements to prevent cross-contamination based on end uses. Jurisdictions vary in their rules, with some allowing potable reuse and others limiting reuse to
Rain water harvesting & community based flood mapping plan of actionKnnt Thein
The document summarizes a meeting between the Vice President of Myanmar and the Advisory Group of the National Water Resources Committee. They discussed a combined plan of action for a national rain water harvesting campaign and community-based flood mapping campaign in response to floods in 2015. The plan includes an immediate response, medium and long term planning through 2020, with a focus on prevention of future disasters through activities like forest restoration, watershed management, and implementing integrated water resources management.
This document introduces the need for a Green Communities Guide to help municipalities and developers address the challenges of rapid population growth and development in Alberta. Key issues identified through surveys include climate-related water shortages, deteriorating water quality, loss of wildlife habitat and fragmentation, and associated economic and social costs. The guide aims to provide tools and case studies to help communities develop strategies to conserve water, protect water quality, preserve agricultural land and open space, and maintain ecological services through more sustainable land use practices.
Latest of the Ebsford Environmental newsletters, the aim of these is to provide industry and market specific information and advice for any of our clients or peers working on similar projects.
Rainwater Harvesting and Utilisation Project Managers & Implementing AgenciesK9T
This document provides an overview of rainwater harvesting and utilization. It discusses global demographic trends showing increasing urbanization and population growth, creating water scarcity issues. Rainwater harvesting provides multiple benefits like improving groundwater quality and access to water. It has grown in interest globally with initiatives promoting its implementation. The document covers concepts of rainwater harvesting systems and technology, case studies of implementations, and planning/monitoring of projects.
CA: San Francisco: Low Impact Design Toolkit for StormwaterSotirakou964
This document introduces a stormwater management planning charrette focused on integrating green stormwater infrastructure in San Francisco. It provides background on how the natural hydrology of the city has changed with development and explains that low impact design (LID) aims to mimic pre-development water processes. Examples of LID techniques are described like eco-roofs, cisterns, rain gardens and permeable paving. The charrette participants will work in teams to select LID locations within city catchments to meet stormwater goals cost-effectively while providing co-benefits. A toolkit defines each best management practice to inform the activity. The goal is to reduce flooding and sewer overflows through decentralized stormwater management.
This document provides guidelines for rural builders on constructing basic water supply systems. It discusses various small-scale water projects that can be built through simple designs and construction methods, including subsurface dams, hand dug wells, rainwater catchment systems, and small earth dams. The document aims to improve the success and cost-effectiveness of rural water projects by promoting low-cost techniques over more complex engineered solutions. It also provides guidance on contracting, project planning, and operations and maintenance to help ensure projects function properly long-term.
Stewards of the Bay: Lifestyles of Stewardship Z8Y
The document discusses the poor health of the Chesapeake Bay and the threats it faces such as nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, toxic contamination, and climate change. It provides information on effective ways congregations can help improve the Bay's health through practices like installing rain barrels, building rain gardens, implementing low impact development plans, and reducing energy usage. Specific instructions are given on how to construct a rain barrel or garden through a congregation work day with volunteers.
This document provides an introduction to rainwater harvesting, including its benefits and growing global interest. It discusses key global demographic trends like population growth and rapid urbanization, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This is creating challenges for water supply. Rainwater harvesting is presented as a decentralized solution that can help address these challenges in a sustainable way by augmenting freshwater resources. The document outlines the objectives and components of UN-HABITAT's guide on rainwater harvesting and its water for cities programme.
Water Wise: Residential Landscape and Irrigation Guide for Western ColoradoKaila694m
This guide provides best practices for residential water conservation and irrigation in western Colorado. It discusses the importance of being good water stewards given the region's arid climate and finite water resources. The guide covers topics like understanding local soil types, selecting drought-tolerant plants, designing efficient irrigation systems, and using evapotranspiration data to determine optimal watering amounts to prevent overwatering and the pollution of local waterways. The overall goal is to educate residents on landscape and watering practices that save both water and money while preserving the environment.
The WHCRWA is planning for its 2020 conversion milestone which will require bringing surface water from Houston's northeast water purification plant near Lake Houston, a more difficult route than for the 2010 conversion. Engineers are surveying and acquiring easements for a 9-mile water line from the plant and a 30-mile line crossing Harris County. The 2020 conversion will also require 75 miles of distribution lines and expansion of the northeast plant. While construction is years in the future, planning work is underway to meet the 2020 deadline of 70% surface water usage.
North Carolina: Citizen’s Guide To Protecting Wilmington’s WaterwaysSotirakou964
This document is a citizen's guide to protecting Wilmington's waterways through the use of stormwater best management practices (BMPs). It provides information on various BMPs that help reduce pollution and stormwater runoff, including backyard wetlands, riparian buffers, rain gardens, rain barrels, native plantings, and more. For each BMP, it describes what they are and how they protect water quality. It also includes extensive lists of suitable native plants, as well as a watershed map, homeowner brochure, and contacts for local water quality resources. The goal is to educate citizens on simple actions they can take on their property to help protect local water bodies.
Easy Water-Wise Gardening - San Diego, CaliforniaRetiz16x
This document provides resources and advice for designing a water-conserving landscape, including:
- Speaking with landscape architects, contractors, designers, and irrigation consultants who can help design and install water-efficient landscapes.
- Checking local water district websites for plant recommendations, watering guidelines, and conservation tips.
- Viewing recommended websites that offer low-water landscape ideas, irrigation advice, and links to water agencies.
- Consulting local nurseries, which can offer plant selection and irrigation design assistance.
This document provides information on creating a water-thrifty landscape through selecting plants adapted to local precipitation patterns, using alternatives to drinking water for irrigation such as rainwater collection, graywater, and air conditioning condensate, and employing efficient irrigation techniques. It discusses selecting drought-tolerant native plants, limiting lawn areas, using mulches to retain soil moisture, and harvesting rainwater through rain barrels or cisterns. The document recommends irrigating only when needed, using a rain gauge or soil moisture probe to determine when to water, and employing drip irrigation or soaker hoses to apply water slowly and directly to plant roots.
Letter on The Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant 12-11-13 via The Nature Conserv...Save The Great South Bay
This letter requests assistance from the EPA, HUD, and FEMA regional administrators regarding improvements to the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant in Nassau County, NY after damage from Superstorm Sandy. It outlines the need to modernize the plant to reduce nitrogen pollution, consolidate treatment and outfalls, fortify structures to withstand storms, and transition to advanced treatment technology. Relocating the outfall pipe to the Atlantic Ocean is recommended as the current location in a poorly flushed estuary is degrading the environment and impairing uses of the western bays. Improving the sewage infrastructure is critical to protecting public health, the environment, and building more resilient communities in Nassau County.
Case Study No. 9-Philippines’ Integrated Stormwater Managementharoldtaylor1113
The document discusses stormwater management in the Philippines. It begins by defining stormwater and explaining how stormwater runoff can cause pollution and flooding issues in urban areas without proper management. It then discusses stormwater harvesting, which involves collecting, treating, storing and distributing stormwater for reuse. The key aspects of stormwater harvesting systems are collection, treatment, storage and distribution. Twelve principles for integrating effective stormwater practices into the urban landscape are also outlined. Poor stormwater management can lead to downstream flooding, erosion, turbid waters, habitat destruction and contaminated streams/rivers. The Philippines faces challenges with fragmented water agencies, depletion of water resources, and inadequate infrastructure for managing increasing urbanization pressures.
Virginia Rain Gardens Technical Guide
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Group 5 sustainable stormwater management(building services1)kohwenqi
This document provides information on sustainable stormwater management. It begins with an introduction on stormwater and the need for management. Examples of stormwater management techniques are then presented, including rain gardens, bioretention areas, vegetated swales, green roofs, and porous pavement. The installation processes for rain gardens and bioretention areas are described in multiple steps. Advantages and disadvantages of stormwater management are listed. The document concludes with references and appendices.
This document provides information on sustainable stormwater management. It begins with an introduction on stormwater and the need for management. Examples of stormwater management techniques are then presented, including rain gardens, bioretention areas, vegetated swales, green roofs, and porous pavement. The installation processes for rain gardens and bioretention areas are described in multiple steps. Advantages and disadvantages of stormwater management are listed. The document concludes with references and appendices.
Santa Monica CA Rainwater Harvesting ManualSotirakou964
This document provides an introduction and overview of the City of Culver City's Rainwater Harvesting Program. The program aims to help homeowners capture rainwater from their roofs and redirect it to on-site pervious areas or rain barrels to reduce stormwater runoff. Harvesting rainwater provides benefits such as protecting water resources, reducing energy demands, practicing water conservation, and recharging groundwater supplies. The document outlines options for redirecting rainwater and provides guidance on assessing sites, measuring slopes, and installing rain barrels or building rain gardens to harvest rainwater on one's own property.
How to plan an effective and reliable strategy to mitigate the effects of flo...Hydro International
Managing flood risk is one of the most urgent tasks facing engineers today, and one that requires significant expertise to guarantee success.
This presentation introduces guidance and tips on how to design, implement, and operate a water management project that will effectively mitigate flood risk.
ASSESSMENT OF FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES FOR THE CITY OF KALONA, IADavid Koser
This document is a thesis submitted by David Ryan Koser to the University of Iowa in partial fulfillment of a Master's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. The thesis assesses different flood mitigation strategies for the city of Kalona, IA using a coupled 1D/2D hydraulic model called XPSWMM. The model simulates flow in streams, pipes and overland using the St. Venant equations. The strategies tested include upstream agricultural detention ponds, modifications to Kalona's storm sewer network, and a combination of the two. Peak flood depths are compared at three locations under different storm events to evaluate the effectiveness of each approach. The results show detention ponds are more effective for larger storms while network modifications
This document provides details about a final project analyzing the potential reduction of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in the Gowanus Canal watershed in Brooklyn through the installation of green infrastructure. It discusses how green infrastructure like bioswales, rain gardens, and green roofs can help capture stormwater runoff and reduce CSO events. The document analyzes the impact of incremental increases in green roof coverage on a city block, finding that a 25% increase would capture the first inch of rainfall and a 35% increase would reduce peak discharge by 5.86%, though the cost may not justify the benefits.
The document discusses barriers to adopting Low Impact Development (LID) practices in municipal codes in Bay Area cities. It analyzed the codes of San Jose, Hayward, San Rafael, San Mateo, and Pleasanton and found opportunities to better incorporate LID. Key barriers included standards that require excessive impervious surfaces and lack flexibility. Adopting LID practices like minimizing pavement and clustering development could help cities improve stormwater management and water quality as required by regulations.
Restoring Natural Drainage System of DelhiIram Aziz
This document discusses the benefits of restoring natural drainage systems in Delhi and the impacts of degrading streams. It provides examples of restoring drainage systems in other cities like San Antonio, Texas and Seoul, South Korea. The Cheong Gye Cheon river restoration project in Seoul is highlighted, which uncovered a buried river and created a public park. The document argues for restoring Delhi's drainage channels by daylighting streams and treating wastewater to create linear parks. It outlines policy principles and a strategy for protecting stormwater channels through a Watershed Management Plan and Urban Drainage Master Plan.
Water Overflow Solutions for the City of MilwaukeeGoetschh
This document provides an evaluation of Alternative A, which would mandate downspout disconnection within Milwaukee city limits and implement income-based stormwater management fees. Key points:
- Property owners with incomes at or below the poverty level would get free disconnections, while higher-income owners would pay $10-80 over 4 years to disconnect their own downspouts.
- All property owners would pay an annual stormwater management fee of $1.50-6 depending on income to fund the program.
- The city costs to provide supplies and pay a crew to disconnect downspouts for low-income residents would be up to $2.77 million over 4 years, funded by the annual fees.
How to apply stormwater treatment to increase environmental benefits and achi...Hydro International
Engineers have a difficult job when it comes to delivering projects to manage stormwater.
This presentation introduces guidance and tips on how to design, implement, and operate a stormwater management project to improve pollution capture, reduce environmental damage and ensure regulatory compliance.
Rainwater Harvesting: Frequently Asked Questions - Los Angeles CAK9T
The document is a frequently asked questions page from the City of Los Angeles about its Rainwater Harvesting Program. [1] The program offers free installations of rain barrels, downspout disconnections, or planter boxes to qualifying properties in the Ballona Creek Watershed to capture rainwater and reduce outdoor water usage and stormwater runoff. [2] Eligible properties must be located in priority neighborhoods of Jefferson, Sawtelle, or Mar Vista, or elsewhere in the watershed on a first come, first served basis. [3] The captured rainwater will be used for on-site irrigation or routed to pervious surfaces.
Stormwater management design must adhere to regulations while considering local conditions and infrastructure needs. Effective systems can improve water quality, reduce flooding, and enhance livability through green infrastructure like bioretention and permeable pavements. Challenges include climate uncertainty, limited space, and protecting ecosystems, but well-designed projects showcase stormwater's benefits through beautiful, multi-purpose landscapes.
Catching the Rain - A Great Lakes Resource Guide
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
Central Florida Rain Garden Manual ~ University of Florida
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214 ~
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079 ~
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Increase Food Production with Companion Planting in your School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159 ~
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348 ~
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden =
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440 ~
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide =
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110 ~
This document provides guidance on inspecting and maintaining existing stormwater wet ponds and wetlands. It was produced by the Center for Watershed Protection with assistance from Tetra Tech under an EPA contract. The document contains information on challenges with wet ponds and wetlands such as water quality impacts, habitat impacts, health and safety issues, and aesthetics. It also discusses opportunities they provide. The bulk of the document focuses on conducting regular inspections, routine maintenance needs, and detailed maintenance activity profiles for issues like clogged pipes, vegetation management, dredging, and addressing nuisance animals and plants. Tables provide information on typical inspection frequencies, maintenance skill levels needed, and diagnoses and remedies for common problems encountered with wet ponds and wet
1. Stormwater management at Clemson University is currently inefficient, causing flooding even in small storms. A proposed parking lot could exacerbate this problem.
2. The document proposes designing a bioretention cell to capture and infiltrate runoff from the parking lot on site, reducing flooding downstream.
3. Multiple benefits are cited for bioretention cells, including environmental, economic, and aesthetic advantages over traditional stormwater management approaches.
This document provides information on rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse systems. It discusses the basic principles of how these systems work to collect and store rainwater and greywater for non-potable uses. The document also outlines the key regulatory requirements and installation considerations for these systems in the UK, as well as typical advantages and disadvantages.
Desalination is a promising method to produce clean water but produces brine wastewater that is expensive to manage due to high salt concentrations. Current brine concentrators and evaporation ponds reduce environmental impacts but have high energy and cost requirements. The authors propose exploring ways to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of brine concentrators and evaporation ponds through experimental and modeling studies of process alterations, including operating conditions, chemical additives, and extracting valuable byproducts from the brine. The goal is to determine if brine management costs can be reduced to make desalination more economically viable.
Similar to OR: Portland: Downspout Disconnection Program - Putting Stormwater into Rain Gardens (20)
This document discusses the history and forms of water harvesting. It begins by providing context on water harvesting's past role in agriculture and recent renewed interest. It then describes six main forms of water harvesting: 1) roof top, 2) for animal consumption, 3) inter-row, 4) microcatchment, 5) medium-sized catchment, and 6) large catchment. Each form is characterized by parameters like catchment area, cropping area, precipitation levels, and slope. The goal of water harvesting is to increase plant production in dry areas by concentrating rainfall runoff.
Water harvesting and development for improving productivity - Part 2Sotirakou964
This document provides information on rainwater harvesting techniques. It discusses roof harvesting where rainwater is collected from house roofs through gutters and pipes into storage tanks. The first water during rains should be diverted to flush dust and debris, while later water can be collected. Runoff harvesting and floodwater harvesting are also briefly mentioned as other rainwater collection methods. Guidelines are provided on roof cleaning, gutter sloping, and basic system designs to collect and store rainwater for domestic and agricultural use.
Stormwater planters are structures designed to capture, filter, and infiltrate or convey stormwater runoff. There are two main types: infiltration planters which allow water to seep into surrounding soils, and filtration planters which are lined to prevent infiltration and only cleanse stormwater before routing it to an approved disposal point. Planters provide stormwater management benefits and can be customized for different settings. They are sized based on the amount of runoff directed to them and factors like ponding depth and infiltration rate. Soils are typically amended to support plant life while allowing proper infiltration.
Santa Barbarba Sustainable Landscaping ManualSotirakou964
The document provides guidance on sustainable landscaping for homeowners in Santa Barbara County. It discusses planning a landscape that is resource efficient and reduces waste, which can save homeowners time and money while benefiting the environment. The key aspects of sustainable landscaping covered are reducing lawn areas, using water-efficient native plants, installing efficient irrigation, and designing functional outdoor spaces. Analyzing the site conditions and planning phases are emphasized as important first steps to having a sustainable landscape.
Sacaramento CA: Lawnless and Loving It ManualSotirakou964
This document discusses the benefits of removing lawns and replacing them with more sustainable landscaping options. It notes that lawns require large amounts of water and pesticides. Some alternatives to lawns mentioned include habitat gardens, edible gardens, meadows, rain gardens, rock gardens, and children's gardens planted with native species. Native plants are advocated because they are adapted to the local environment and provide benefits like requiring less water and maintenance than non-natives. Examples of lawn removal projects and their before and after appearances are also shown and described.
This document provides an introduction to conservation landscaping techniques like rain gardens and xeriscapes. It summarizes the philosophy and rationale for using native plants in landscaping to restore and protect local habitats. Examples are given from demonstration gardens at the Chesapeake Ecology Center, with plant lists and descriptions. The guide covers topics such as landscape design principles, how to plan and install conservation gardens, and lists of commonly used native trees and shrubs for the Chesapeake Bay watershed region. Its goal is to educate and inspire readers to adopt these practices in their own yards and communities.
Green roofs, also known as living roofs, allow plants to grow on building roofs. They provide environmental benefits like reducing stormwater runoff and the urban heat island effect. While initially costly, green roofs last longer than traditional roofs and provide savings over time. When planning a green roof, homeowners should consider their roof's slope, climate conditions, and structural ability to support additional weight. Green roofs have multiple layers, including a waterproof membrane, drainage layer, lightweight growing media, and drought-tolerant plants. Proper planning and installation are needed to ensure a successful green roof.
This document provides an overview of natural insecticides that can be used in organic gardening. It describes several botanical insecticides including pyrethrum, sabadilla, rotenone, nicotine, and neem oil. The insecticides are derived from plants and have low toxicity to humans. The document provides instructions on safely applying natural insecticides, including only using them when needed, wearing protective equipment, thoroughly covering plants, and following label directions. It emphasizes using multiple pest control methods to keep insect populations low and reduce reliance on insecticides.
OR: Portland: Multnomah Building Green RoofSotirakou964
The document summarizes a green roof project on the Multnomah Building in Portland, Oregon. The 12,000 square foot green roof was intended to demonstrate the benefits of green roofs, including increased roof longevity, stormwater management through reduced runoff and pollution, and improved aesthetics. The total project cost was $343,000, with the green roof construction costing $179,801. Various organizations provided grants and materials to support the project as a demonstration of green roof technologies.
New York City: Rainwater Harvesting ManualSotirakou964
This document provides an introduction to rainwater harvesting systems. It discusses the history of rainwater harvesting around the world dating back thousands of years. It then describes the basic components of a rainwater harvesting system, including the roof, gutters, downspout, first flush system, storage tank, overflow pipe, and optional connections to a rain garden. Diagrams and photographs help illustrate the different parts of a typical system.
Beyond More Crop per Drop: Farming & Sustainable DevelopmentSotirakou964
This document provides a list of resources for bay friendly landscaping. It includes websites and organizations related to air quality, alternatives to pesticides, bay-friendly standards and trainings, beneficial insects, composting, erosion control, fire resistant plants, green businesses, greywater systems, and hazardous waste disposal. The list is intended to support professionals in implementing sustainable landscape practices.
La Plaza Garden CA: Water Efficient GardeningSotirakou964
This document provides information about La Plaza Garden, a water-efficient demonstration garden in Cotati, California. The garden uses various techniques like drought-tolerant plants, water harvesting, and habitat creation to conserve water and other resources. It includes seven distinct garden areas showcasing different techniques, plants, and habitats. The document also provides additional resources for water-efficient and native plant gardening.
This document provides a summary of key considerations for rainwater harvesting systems in small island Caribbean environments. It outlines the main components of a rainwater harvesting system including the catchment area, conveyance system, and storage. Formulas are provided to calculate the volume of water that can be captured from a roof catchment area. Guidelines aim to assist homeowners, contractors, and farmers in best practices for installing and operating rainwater harvesting systems.
An extensive green roof has less than six inches of growing medium and can support grasses and small shrubs, while an intensive green roof has 6-24 inches of medium and supports larger plants. A green roof absorbs up to half of rainfall and greatly increases roof insulation. Steps to install a green roof include adding a vapor barrier, insulation, waterproof membrane, drainage layer, growth medium, and selecting plants suited to the climate from a list provided. Cost is approximately $15-25 per square foot but reduces runoff and provides other benefits.
Waterbird Conservation for the AmericasSotirakou964
This document provides a framework for conserving waterbird populations throughout the Americas. It sets broad goals such as advocating continent-wide monitoring, regional conservation planning, and national/local action. The plan aims to weave together resources, science, and stakeholders to achieve sustainable waterbird populations and habitat management across their ranges. It emphasizes initial priorities like seabirds and colonial nesters in northern areas, with plans to expand coverage over time. Implementation will rely on partnerships across geographic and organizational boundaries to coordinate waterbird conservation efforts internationally, nationally, regionally, and locally throughout the Americas.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Educator's GuideSotirakou964
This document provides an educator's guide to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. It includes information about the refuge's habitats and wildlife, as well as guidance for planning field trips, including pre-field trip activities, hands-on activities during field trips, and post-field trip activities. The goal is to enhance students' learning experiences through field trips to the refuge and increase environmental awareness in the community. The guide takes a comprehensive, hands-on approach to environmental education.
The document is a teacher's guide for the AWARE Kids program, which aims to educate elementary school students about ocean conservation. It includes an introduction to the program, correlations to national science standards, lessons on topics like coral reefs and sea turtles, and hands-on activities. The guide is designed to integrate science, math, art and other subjects while teaching about underwater environments and conservation issues in an interactive way.
The document provides background information on a teachers guide and poster about stream ecosystems. It includes an introduction to the poster's depiction of a typical middle order stream and the species selected. It discusses the life cycles of frogs, insects, and mussels shown in the poster which involve metamorphosis. It also describes suggested classroom activities teachers can use with the poster, including having students draw life cycles, simulate ecosystem changes, or create imaginary rabbit metamorphosis. The guide concludes with discussions of food chains, energy use, nutrient recycling, and how adaptability to available food impacts species survival.
The document is a curriculum guide for teaching coldwater conservation and trout habitat education. It includes 17 activities to teach students about ecological concepts, hydrology, stream life, trout behavior and biology, human impacts on streams, and sustainable fishing practices. The guide is intended to complement fly fishing instruction by providing the scientific background on healthy trout habitats and how human activities can positively or negatively affect these habitats. It contains suggestions for how to use the guide, definitions of key terms, and references for additional teaching resources.
This document provides an education guide for teaching students about coldwater conservation. It includes 17 hands-on activities to teach students about stream ecology, hydrology, aquatic insects, trout biology, human impacts on waterways, and sustainable fishing practices. The guide was written by Margaret Sherriffs and Duncan Blair and published in 2002 by Trout Unlimited with support from other environmental organizations. It is intended to provide teachers with activities to educate students about coldwater ecosystems and conservation.
2. Table of Contents
Background .......................................................................................3
Barriers and Benefits........................................................................4
Summaries of Programs...................................................................5
Combined Sewer Overflow Reduction — Bremerton, Washington............ 5
Toronto’s Downspout Disconnect Program................................................. 6
Portland, Oregon’s Downspout Disconnection Program............................ 6
Mid-America Regional Council Educational Programs ............................... 8
Downspout Disconnection Pilot ......................................................8
Pilot Evaluation .................................................................................9
Endnotes..........................................................................................10
Appendices......................................................................................13
McKenzie-Mohr & Associates 2
3. Background
Every time it rains, runoff from residential rooftops is collected by eaves troughs
installed along the edge of the rooflines.1 The runoff collected in the eaves trough then
flows to ground level via one or more downspouts.2 Downspouts may be connected
directly to the storm sewer system, or in older neighborhoods, into a combined
storm/sanitary sewer system.3 Consequently, rainstorms can fill combined sewers
beyond capacity, resulting in a combined sewer overflow (CSO) in which untreated
storm water and wastewater are discharged into local waterways.4 These overflows
frequently result in beaches that are unsafe for swimming, flooded basements and
contaminated lake water.5 Other runoff may travel more indirectly into storm drains or
sanitary sewer lines by running down pavement, sidewalks and underground pipes.6 As
a result, pollutants such as used motor oil, pesticides, fertilizers and pet waste may be
swept along with the rainwater, thus entering lakes and streams untreated.7 This runoff
negatively impacts river and lake systems by increasing the frequency and amount of
flooding and by causing poor water clarity.8 9 Excess nutrients and bacteria also
increase stress on insects and fish, cause thermal pollution and contaminate drinking
water supplies.10 11
The City of Toronto estimated the impact that an effective residential downspout
disconnection program might have. Data from a study conducted in a primarily
residential area of Toronto indicated that rooftops make up approximately 20% of all
surface area.12 This study suggests that redirecting or disconnecting downspouts can
divert a large quantity of water.13 Assuming a typical Toronto yearly rainfall amount of
around 28 inches, downspout disconnection of a home with an average rooftop size of
1,507 square feet would result in diverting approximately 26,000 gallons of storm water
from the sewer system annually.14 Thus a neighborhood of 100 homes could divert
around 2.6 million gallons of stormwater annually if the homes disconnected their
downspouts from the sewer system and redirected them onto vegetative areas.15 It was
estimated that disconnecting approximately one quarter of the downspouts in the study
area would divert enough runoff to result in a 50% reduction of combined sewer
overflows, and nearly a 100% reduction could be obtained if two-thirds of downspouts in
the area were disconnected.16 A complete reduction in combined sewer overflows would
help to minimize beach and fish closings due to polluted water, and basement floodings
could also be avoided.17
A house can disconnect a downspout from the sewer to the ground for as little as
approximately $9 USD including labor and parts, but purchasing a rain barrel to redirect
a downspout into may cost around $90 USD.18 While there is an upfront cost to redirect
and/or disconnect one’s downspouts, it is estimated that a community can save $25
USD per disconnected household by diverting rooftop storm water from wastewater
treatment plants.19 A homeowner will also save money in avoided cleanup costs for
basement flooding. Disconnecting and redirecting downspouts is beneficial to the
environment, overall health and tourism, which are all related to a community’s
economic strength and stability.
McKenzie-Mohr & Associates 3
4. Barriers and Benefits
The barriers to disconnecting or redirecting downspouts start with property structural
design. One cannot just simply redirect their downspouts anywhere onto their property
— runoff should be redirected to soft, landscaped surfaces such as lawns, gardens or
swales to allow for penetration.20 Also, if a property has too high a grade, infiltration will
not be possible.21 It may also be difficult to disconnect downspouts if properties are too
close together, because runoff will have no space to infiltrate and may instead wind up
flooding someone else’s basement or damaging the building’s foundation.22 To
overcome a property’s structural barriers, rain barrels can be used to collect redirected
runoff. However, there are also barriers associated with the use of rain barrels. As
mentioned above, for a simple disconnection where a rain barrel is not involved, the
cost is a meager $9 USD, but if a rain barrel is required, the cost jumps to
approximately $90 USD.23
Once one has a rain barrel, there are continued barriers to their proper functioning. A
rain barrel may hold enough rooftop runoff to be useful for garden irrigation, but it may
not reduce overall runoff volume if the barrel is not emptied between storms.24 To
counter this functional barrier, the rain barrel or cistern system should be designed to
carry excess rain barrel storm water to an infiltration mechanism so that there is always
available volume for retention.25 Also, rain barrels offer no primary pollutant filtration,
and homeowners may not think that the rain is suitable for their vegetable garden.26
Educating residents that rooftop runoff often has fewer minerals and sediments than
municipal water can eradicate this barrier. In addition, rain barrels must be childproof
and sealed off against mosquitoes.27 For parents, a concern that their child is in
potential danger of drowning in a rain barrel is another possible barrier to the adoption
of this behavior.
Another barrier to disconnecting or redirecting one’s downspouts is that although the
behavior requires minimal skill, it does require a number of tools and materials. People
may also be minimally motivated with the mindset that they do not want too much water
on their property or that they do not feel personally responsible for taking action in
helping the city divert runoff from water bodies. Some cities may also require obtaining
a permit from the plumbing division to make alterations to one’s drainage system, which
is another convenience-related barrier.28
The benefits to adopting this behavior are saving/preserving water and saving money.
Redirecting one’s downspout can reduce water demand for irrigation, car washing and
other nonpotable uses.29 Property owners who have cisterns and rain barrels can use
stored water for landscaping during outdoor watering bans, perhaps leaving less water-
friendly neighbors envious.30 Homeowners can save money on their water bills by
conserving water in this manner, and public water systems will experience lower peak
water demand and reduced stress on local water supplies.31 As well, adopting this
behavior, as mentioned earlier, decreases the chance of flooded basements, beach
closures and environmental damage.32 33 Another potential benefit is feeling, on the part
of the homeowner, that their efforts are helping the environment.
McKenzie-Mohr & Associates 4
5. Summaries of Programs
Combined Sewer Overflow Reduction -- Bremerton, Washington34
The Cooperative Approach to CSO Reduction Program (see program logo, Appendix A)
is considered “cooperative” because it is funded through a grant from the Washington
State Department of Ecology Centennial Clean Water Fund (CCWF) as well as the
city’s wastewater and stormwater utilities.35 The program ran from 2000–2002.36 The
program had two main objectives: educating residents, city officials, business and
property owners about CSOs and nonpoint-source pollution; and facilitating the
separation of private property storm water from the sanitary sewer system.37
The program accomplished the first objective in a number of ways. First, personal
assistance was provided to property owners. Brochures and videos explaining the CSO
program with instruction on how to disconnect one’s downspout were also provided.
Videos were aired on local community access television.38 Two different sets of
brochures were designed — the first describes the program and is entitled “Be Part of
the Solution,” while the second is a self-help guide for a simple downspout
disconnection.39 Approximately 15,000 of the 20,000 program description brochures and
7,000 of the 15,000 how-to brochures have been distributed.40 There is also a web site
that displays animations of how CSOs occur, brochure materials and related document
summaries. The web site is visited by approximately 2,500 to 3,000 people from across
the world each month.41 Also included on the web site are other Bremerton Water
Resources Division programs, including a rain barrel program.42 Over 1,500 rain barrels
have been sold across the county.43 The program also included hands-on demonstration
and instruction workshops that taught how to disconnect downspouts whilst informing
attendees of the importance of controlling storm water on their property. Workshops
were not well attended, reaching a total attendance of 45 people, at an average of 4.5
people per workshop.44 Advertising through newspapers, billboards, direct mail, notices
in utility bills and presentations at council meetings were also components of the
program. Billboards were found more cost-effective than newspapers. Only four
inquiries resulted from newspaper ads that were placed in the paper for one week at a
cost of $923 USD, while billboards resulted in 40 inquiries, and only cost $210 USD for
four sites, for one week.45 The 11,000 direct mail-outs were responsible for the majority
of replies from property owners.46
The second objective was also made possible through a series of efforts. First, free site
assessments were provided to determine a property’s need for downspout
disconnection.47 Property owners had access to free, personalized assistance prior to,
during and following disconnection.48 This was especially helpful for senior citizens and
those in poor health who were incapable of completing the disconnection on their own.49
In addition, grants from the city’s Wastewater Utility helped pay for separation projects
on residential property, anywhere from $25–$500 USD depending on the property’s
needs, which was especially beneficial for those on low or fixed income.50 Separating
downspouts from sewer systems was also facilitated by standardizing drawings for
separation and by developing a letter of agreement/contract between the city and
property owner.51 Most recently, the city passed ordinances 4685 and 4686, which
McKenzie-Mohr & Associates 5
6. require the separation of all stormwater connections from the sanitary sewer system,
unless the procedure is not deemed cost-effective by the initial site assessment.52
The program cost approximately $270,000 USD from 2000–2002, for a total of 34
months.53 The city of Bremerton has informed all citizens about the program through a
direct mail-out.54 The city has received a 38% response rate to direct mail notifications.55
Over 9,500 properties in the city of Bremerton are connected to the sanitary sewer
system; and through this program, about 2,900 have had site assessments.56 Of this
number, 467 properties, or rather 16% of properties who received site assessments,
had their stormwater runoff connected to the sanitary sewer system.57 The program
completed 44 separations in the right-of-way paid for by the city utility fund, and a total
of 358 separations — 307 of which were paid for through separation reimbursements
provided by city utilities.58 An estimated 260,000 gallons of stormwater runoff have been
removed from the public sewer system as a result of these separations.59 The estimated
cost per gallon of stormwater runoff removed from the sanitary sewer system is $1.04
USD per inch of rainwater.60 This program is deemed quite cost-effective, especially
when compared to the city’s other capital improvement projects, which range in price
between $5–$10 USD for each gallon of water removed or treated.61
Toronto’s Downspout Disconnect Program62
The city of Toronto, Canada, is also working to improve its stormwater management.
The city has come up with five main categories of objectives: water quality, water
quantity, natural areas, wildlife and sewer systems. The city of Toronto has come up
with a 25-year Water Pollution Solution Plan outlining a number of programs designed
to meet their objectives. The Downspout Disconnection Program is one such water
pollution solution (see logo, Appendix B).
Toronto encourages homeowners to call (416) 392-1807 to arrange for downspouts to
be disconnected, free of charge. After making the call, all the homeowner has to do is
complete the program’s easy registration process. The city’s web site gives out this
information, as well as why disconnecting downspouts is beneficial to Toronto. The web
site explains that combined sewer overflows cause basement flooding, as well as
contaminate Lake Ontario water, causing beaches to be unsafe for swimming. The web
site also contains a picture referencing what a connected downspout looks like so that
residents can easily determine whether their downspouts are connected. The service
that the city provides involves cutting residents’ downspouts where they enter the
ground, installing a plug where the downspout has been cut off and adding an extension
or splash pad, or perhaps a rain barrel, if necessary, to ensure that water does not drain
near a house’s foundation.
In addition to encouraging the disconnection of downspouts, Toronto has constructed
stormwater management retention/detention ponds to help capture runoff.63
Portland, Oregon’s Downspout Disconnection Program64
Portland’s Downspout Disconnection Program is part of a larger watershed planning
and education program that has been around since 1991.65 Portland, in fact, has a
McKenzie-Mohr & Associates 6
7. Phase 1 NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit and in 1996, was recognized as the
nation’s best stormwater permit program.66 Portland is home to about 510,000 citizens
who live in approximately a 130-square-mile area at the bottom of the Willamette
watershed.67 Portland is also home to a number of listed state and federal threatened
and endangered species; namely, three species of salmonids have been listed over the
last three years.68 The concern for Portland is that approximately 33% of its land
surfaces are paved or hard surfaces that are impervious, thus contributing to the flow of
runoff to the Willamette watershed.69 The city has attempted to reduce the impervious
area to only an effective 10% in order to decrease runoff.70 Effective is a term that refers
to the portion of a site that discharges directly to a receiving system without any prior
interception, infiltration or filtration.71 In order to achieve this objective, the city of
Portland has a number of outreach and educational programs that attempt to: (1)
educate residents and businesses of the city that they belong to a natural watershed,
(2) educate residents and businesses of the final destination of their storm water and
sanitary drainage, (3) educate residents and business about how their daily behaviors
impact the environment, suggesting behaviors they can change to lessen those
impacts, and (4) create active citizenry and advocates for stormwater improvement
within Portland.
One particular outreach/educational program is the Downspout Disconnection Program
for residential properties, which was developed in 1996.72 Through the program,
properties in north, northeast and southeast Portland have had their rooftop downspouts
disconnected from the sewer system and redirected onto lawns, flowerbeds or ‘soakage
trenches’ to reduce runoff from hitting impervious surfaces.73 The Bureau of
Environmental Services (BES) has worked along with the Office of Neighborhood
Involvement (ONI) and the city’s Plumbing Division to create an interagency agreement
in order to interact directly with homeowners to disconnect their downspouts without
homeowners requiring a permit from the Plumbing Division for the alterations of their
home’s drainage system.74 In turn, BES staff have developed safety criteria for
permissible disconnections and have a monitoring and inspection program to ensure
that disconnections are properly completed.75 For each program implementation, a
target area of properties connected to a CSO basin is selected and Disconnection
Program staff begin their work with an aggressive door-to-door canvassing campaign to
obtain voluntary agreement from owners to disconnect their downspouts.76 After
agreeing, property owners then have the choice of receiving a $53 USD per downspout
incentive to do it themselves or have the city provide the service for free.77 The city
provides the service through volunteer groups, such as scouting troops and students or
through emerging and minority business contractors.78 Volunteer groups receive a $13
stipend for each disconnected downspout, and contractors are hired through a city bid
process.7980 Whether it is a homeowner, a city volunteer or a city contractor who
performs the disconnection, the city inspects the work in order to assure that
disconnections were accomplished safely.81 If the goal for the targeted roof surface area
has not been met through voluntary agreement, a mandatory version of the program
can be implemented.82 Also under this program, other stormwater management
messages are provided, such as the utility of planting trees to absorb water from
disconnected downspouts.83
McKenzie-Mohr & Associates 7
8. Through this program, 17,000 homes had their downspouts disconnected in a period of
six and a half years.84 Another 20,000 homes were identified as having already
disconnected their downspouts.85 Portland’s BES web site estimates that 94% of the
overflows to the Willamette River will be eliminated by 2011.86 The BES web site lists
the most current number of disconnected homes at 44,000, estimating a removal of
more than 1 billion gallons of storm water annually from the combined sewer systems.87
This program receives funds primarily from a mixture of capital and operating funds.
Through the program, enough storm water is diverted from the CSO system, which
allows collection pipes to be downsized. This in turn provides significant savings from
pipe construction costs, which helps to pay for the program.88
Mid-America Regional Council Educational Programs89
Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) has convened a committee of representatives
from local governments and environmental organizations to create a regional watershed
education program. Topics for 2005–06 campaigns included “how to build a rain barrel,”
“disconnect and redirect your downspout,” “what is a watershed?” and “know your
roots.” Each campaign runs in a different season, and “disconnect your downspout” was
conducted during the summer of 2005. A number of outreach methods have been
utilized by MARC. This includes the production of 105,000 brochures for distribution.
The summer 2005 brochure is very colorful and informative, including straight-forward
instructions on how to disconnect your downspouts, the environmental benefits from
adopting this behavior and ideas for how to create a rain-friendly yard (see Appendix
C).90 Private FM stations ran 100 twenty-second public radio sponsorships and 440
sixty-second advertisements. There have also been quarterly news releases sent to
over 90 area media outlets. MARC has distributed native wildflower seeds, rain barrels
and approximately 10,000 rain garden instructional brochures to local municipalities,
nonprofit organizations, garden/lawn stores and state/federal agencies. Finally, staff
have displayed educational materials at applicable regional festivals and shows. MARC
also funds regional water cleanups.
MARC works with a budget of about $115,000 USD, paid for by 18 contributing local
governments.91
Downspout Disconnection Pilot
The disconnection program in Portland has been demonstrated to be very effective in
encouraging households to disconnect their downspouts. Rather than suggest a unique
program, the recommendations below are intended to enhance what is already an
effective initiative.
To summarize the Portland program, city staff select neighborhoods to be targeted
based upon which areas have the largest number of properties connected to a
combined storm/sanitary system. Staff then canvass the area seeking voluntary
agreements from homeowners to disconnect their downspouts. Residents are provided
with a financial incentive to disconnect the downspout themselves or can agree to have
McKenzie-Mohr & Associates 8
9. a volunteer organization or contractor do the disconnect for them — with the
organization or contractor receiving a per-household payment. Following these
disconnections, city staff conduct inspections to ensure that the work has been done
properly.
This program can be enhanced in several ways. First, when a resident agrees to
disconnect their downspout, the behavior is “invisible” in the neighborhood. That is,
without walking directly up to the home, it is impossible for other residents to ascertain
whether a household has disconnected their downspouts. Since downspout
disconnection is not being readily visible from the street, there is a reduced likelihood
that other residents will feel social pressure to disconnect their downspouts. Asking
residents if temporary signs can be placed on their front lawns indicating that the
household has disconnected its downspout can facilitate the development of social
norms and the fostering of social diffusion. A simple message, such as “To protect our
water, we’ve disconnected our downspout,” can be utilized to facilitate others being
more receptive to disconnecting their own downspouts. The text on these lawn signs
should be clearly visible to those driving or walking through the neighborhood. Finally,
residents should be asked to allow the signs to be displayed for the period of time that
the neighborhood is being canvassed. Once the canvassing is completed, the
organization or contractor that is conducting the disconnections collects the signs.
Second, the Portland program involves city staff canvassing a neighborhood and then
arranging for an organization or contactor to disconnect the downspout. Following the
disconnection, city staff conduct an inspection to ensure that the work was done
properly. As a consequence, each household is visited three times. It may be more time
and cost-efficient to have only one visit in which the request is made and disconnection
and inspection occurs. Prior to committing to three visits or one visit, their relative costs
should be evaluated.
Third, when households agree to have their downspout disconnected, they should be
asked if they would like information about other actions they can take to protect the local
watershed. If they agree, strategies to reduce pesticide and fertilizer use can be utilized.
Pilot Evaluation
Evaluation of this project is simple. The percentage of households who agree to
disconnect their own downspouts or have their downspouts disconnected for them is
recorded. In addition, the amount of water diverted from the CSO in a normal rain year
is calculated. Finally, the return of investment is calculated by comparing the cost per
household for the two forms of disconnection (by householder or by
organization/contractor) versus the costs associated with stormwater overflows.
McKenzie-Mohr & Associates 9
10. Endnotes
1
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). (1996-2006). Downspout disconnection.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/inpr/su/waco/alstmaprrepr/alstmaprrepr_008.cfm
2
Ibid.
3
Ibid.
4
Mid-America Regional Council (MARC). (2005). Watershed tips brochures: Redirect or disconnect your
downspout. http://www.marc.org/Environment/Water/publications.htm.
5
City of Toronto. (1998-2006). Protecting water quality: Toronto downspout
disconnection. http://www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/downspout.htm
6
MARC. (2005).
7
Ibid.
8
Kinnickinnic River Land Trust. (Undated). Stewardship tips: Homeowner practices.
http://kinniriver.org/pdf/StormwaterPamphlet_web.pdf
9
Environment Canada. (2001). Municipal treatment water in the Great Lakes basin. Great Lakes
Portraits. http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/coa/2001/wastewater-e.html.
10
Kinnickinnic River Land Trust. (Undated).
11
Environment Canada. (2001).
12
J.F. Sabourin & Associates Inc. (1999); cited in: MARC (2005).
13
Ibid.
14
Ibid.
15
Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project Brochure. (Undated). Pg.5. Do your
downspouts lead to the river? U.S.EPA. http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-ess-nps-savvy-do-
your-downspouts.pdf
16
J.F. Sabourin & Associates Inc. (1999); cited in: MARC (2005).
17
Environment Canada (2001).
18
MARC, 2005.
19
Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project Brochure. (Undated). Pg.5.
20
MARC, 2005.
21
Ibid.
22
Ibid.
23
Ask GREG
24
Boston Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). (2003). Low impact development factsheet:
Cisterns and rain barrels. Massachusetts Low Impact Development Toolkit.
http://www.mapc.org/regional_planning/LID/cisterns_barrels.html.
25
Ibid.
26
Ibid.
27
Ibid.
28
Hottenroth, D. (Undated?). pg.187. Using incentives and other actions to reduce watershed impacts
from existing development. City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, 181-190.
29
Boston MAPC, (2003).
30
Ibid.
31
Ibid.
32
MARC, (2005).
33
City of Toronto, (1998-2006).
McKenzie-Mohr & Associates 10