Slow it down & Soak it up

Stormwater, as defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency, is the runoff and drainage caused by precipitation, in any form including rainfall and snow melt, that flows over surfaces.
Stormwater runoff is typically recognized as the largest pollutant to our waterways in the United States, both rural and urban. Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky’s landscape being both rural and urban is greatly impacted by stormwater runoff. There are many federal, state and local regulations that help control storm water runoff, but each of us have the ability to save local waters by making small changes around our homes.
 
Slow it down & Soak it up
There are two simple ways that homeowners can help with stormwater runoff. One, by slowing the rate at which water flows. Fast moving water can erode soil and pick up other pollutants on its way to our local streams. You can help with this issue by detaining water during a rain event and then slowly releasing it afterwards. A rain barrel is a perfect example of how to detain water during a rain event. Rain barrels capture rain from your downspouts and let you use the rain water during a dry spell to irrigate your lawn or to wash your car, or both at the same time.
Apart from slowing it down, home owners can also soak up the water. The beauty of the natural world is its symbiotic nature. Given the proper conditions, your landscaping can soak up the rain water. In turn, this will prevent the stormwater from eroding the soil and carrying pollutants to streams. These conditions can be achieved by adding a rain garden to your property. Rain gardens can be a beautiful addition to your yard while also creating the perfect conditions to soak up all the excess rain water.
 
Be the difference
It is that simple! Use the links below to learn more about stormwater and how you can Slow it down & Soak it up to Save Local Waters!!!
 
Nonpoint Source Pollution : https://www.epa.gov/nps
What you can do: http://www.savelocalwaters.org/what-can-you-do1.html
Rain Barrels: https://goo.gl/5ckUSN
Rain Gardens: https://goo.gl/pg8aQF