How does RAIN

become RUN-OFF?

 

Many features of our property - the types and size of buildings, landscape and hardscape features, soil type and slope - determine what happens to rainwater.   The best thing that can happen is for all the rain to remain where it falls, to keep the landscape healthy, and to allow rain be absorbed into the soil where it can be filtered and returned to the aquafir.   Rain that runs off our property rinses dirt from our roofs and may pick-up chemicals or other pollutants from our yards, driveways, and other impervious surfaces.   When this water makes its way to the street, curbs, gutters, and storm system, it picks up even more pollutants which are delivered untreated to the receiving water - our local stream. 

 

Why is run-off such a problem?

 

Run-off even from a small rain event accumulates quickly and can turn a quiet stream into a raging river.  The speed and volume of water can erode and destabilize stream banks causing plants and trees to be ripped from the earth.  With every rain, tons of dislodged sediment enters our waterways turning the water to mud, and choking our rivers and streams.   Next time it rains try to visit a nearby stream or the Anacostia River. The problem is clear as mud.

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