WATER DRAINAGE
A common goal related to green stormwater management methods is “slow it, spread it, sink it”. Slowing down stormwater reduces flooding risk by lessening peak flows during high rain events. Spreading it out achieves this as well, while also increasing the amount of natural material the water interacts with, filtering the water more. Sinking stormwater recharges groundwater levels among other benefits. Developments on the land have heavily altered natural water drainage patterns. The resources below can help to improve water movement on a landscape by returning to more natural patterns.
Overview:
Green Stormwater Infrastructure:
Consult this guide15 to determine green stormwater infrastructure that can be implemented based on your landscape and budget.
Note page 17 for information on rain barrels
Note page 21 for information on infiltration trenches
Disable Drainage Systems
Green stormwater infrastructure:
Consult this guide15 to determine green stormwater infrastructure that can be implemented based on your landscape and budget.
Note page 17 for information on rain barrels
Note page 21 for information on infiltration trenches
Disable drainage systems:
Assess your land for any drainage systems. If they are in place, consider their role and if it is still necessary to have them in place. Reducing the role of drainage systems on a landscape can help natural water patterns to return to the land. If part of a larger stormwater management system that exceeds your property, refrain from any alterations without contacting professionals or the city of Burlington.
If drainage tiles are present on the landscape and are determined to be no longer needed, consider implementing a tile break.
Learn how to34 address drainage tiles on page 41
It is sometimes appropriate to plug a ditch, stopping water from flowing, helping to restore the upstream landscape and wetland ecosystems. Filling in the rest of the ditch could also further help these efforts.
Learn more about Ditch plugs and filling here35.