During rainfall events, water drains off of roadways and adjacent properties. Water from residential sump pump discharge lines is pumped to the ground surface and must also be collected. This rain water is collected in roadway storm drains, rear yard storm drains, and drainage ditches to be discharged into one of the many local streams and rivers in the city. In many subdivisions, this water flows through a detention system (basin or pond) which controls the rate of the release (quantity) of this water to prevent flooding.

Climate Change Impacts:

In the Midwest, increases in heavy precipitation events can affect the quality of stormwater discharges. Heavy downpours can increase the amount of runoff into rivers and lakes, washing more sediment, nutrients, trash, animal waste, and other pollutants into recreation waters and water supplies. Increased stormwater runoff rates can also overload and potentially damage the infrastructure used to properly transport and discharge stormwater and wastewater.

More information on climate change and our water resources is available from USEPA’s Climate Change Impact information:  Climate Impacts

NPDES:

In addition, the management of water cleanliness (quality) is governed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the National Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit process. Property owners are encouraged to participate in environmentally conscience storm water management through the use of rain barrels, rain gardens, and the proper disposal of pet waste, oil, and other contaminants. Contaminants must never be dumped into a storm sewer drain as these contaminants directly affect the water quality of our streams and rivers.

What can you do?

Home Solutions to Reduce Flooding

From soaked basements to flooded out roads, heavy rains can pose a significant problem for communities. For homeowners with flood-prone properties, each rainstorm can bring stress and damage. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to reduce flooding and protect your property.

In this blog, we’ll explore a few solutions you can implement at home to manage stormwater.

One of the easiest ways to start managing rainwater is by installing a rain barrel. Rain barrels connect to your downspout and collect rain that falls on your roof, which reduces the amount of stormwater that runs off your property.

At the same time, rain barrels give you a free, clean water source to water your gardens or wash your car. Installing a rain barrel is a simple way to control rainwater and put it to good use.  

Native Plants: Soak Up Rain

Stormwater is an issue in urban and suburban areas where paved surfaces prevent rain from soaking into the ground. When rain can’t go into the ground, it flows over roads, parking lots, and driveways, picking up pollutants before ultimately entering local rivers and streams through storm drains.

Here’s where native plants can help. Native plants are trees, flowers, and grasses that are specifically adapted to our climate. In Illinois, prairie plants have deep root systems that help rainwater infiltrate into the soil instead of pooling on the surface.  

As a bonus, native plants are also essential habitat for local birds and butterflies. By planting a native garden, you can soak up stormwater, create wildlife habitat, and add beauty to your landscape at home.

Rain Gardens: Collect and Infiltrate Stormwater

A rain garden is a garden that is intentionally designed to collect and infiltrate stormwater. Typically, rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with rain-loving native plants. Downspouts can direct water into the garden, and native plants will go to work on soaking up stormwater. While rain gardens can vary in size and complexity, even a simple rain garden can be effective at addressing flooding issues.

Direct Your Downspout: Move Rain Away from Your Home

A misdirected downspout can cause unnecessary problems for your home. When working properly, downspouts should direct rain that falls on your roof away from your foundation. To prevent issues, inspect your downspouts the next time it rains:

Sometimes a quick downspout adjustment can make a difference in preventing water damage from flooding.

While this blog focuses on outdoor solutions for flood prevention like native plants and rain barrels, you can consider indoor actions to prepare for potential flooding:

Beginning to manage stormwater at home is a great step toward protecting your property from flooding. Whether you start with a rain barrel or a native garden, every action helps reduce runoff and minimize flood risks.

Stormwater solutions can extend beyond the home and into the community too. Some municipalities are planting larger-scale native gardens, creating bioswales, or paving parking lots with permeable pavers that let stormwater reach the ground. When homeowners and communities work together, these collective efforts create more resilient neighborhoods.

Additional information is available at theconservationfoundation.org. 

Related Articles

Reduce / control personal use of chemicals:  Recommended Methods

Print / view Stormwater Educational Pamphlet:  Stormwater Runoff

Print / view Stormwater Educational Poster:  Stormwater Impacts