Stormwater Management in Your Backyard

Stormwater Management in Your Backyard A Guide for Hamilton Township Jeremiah D. Bergstrom, LLA, ASLA Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program www.water.rutgers.edu October 2013

What is Sustainability? Actions and practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. - Brundtland Report, Our Common Future (1987)

Why change the way we do things? Our actions can contribute to a SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY: Protecting water resources Saving money and energy Reducing water consumption Better managing our environment (including lawns and landscapes)

The Problem THE NEED FOR IMPROVED WATER QUALITY

How do we in NJ enjoy our waters? Photo Courtesy of Somerset County Park Commission Raritan River, Raritan NJ Crestan Photography Photo by Steve Greer

Protecting Water Resources While NJ is a water-rich state receiving over 40 inches of rainfall each year: New Jersey is also the most densely populated state in the country The average New Jersey resident uses 100 gallons of water per day Residents engaging in outdoor watering & irrigation increase their average water use up to 185 gallons per day in the summer months

Rain Fall Distribution in NJ

Protecting Water Resources Mining 4% Agricultural 6% Irrigation 0% Industrial 8% Commercial 0% Potable 45% Power 37% Data from New Jersey water withdrawals, transfers, and discharges by watershed management area, 1990-1999, NJ USGS

Protecting Water Resources According to EPA, 47% of assessed waters do not meet water quality standards 20,000 individual river segments 400,000 miles of rivers and shorelines 9 million acres of lakes Bacteria, nutrients, sediment are main pollutants 218 million people live within 10 miles of these polluted waters!

Do we have Fishable, Swimmable, and Drinkable Waters in NJ? We have only 1 Big Flat Brook Sussex County

Our waters are valuable resources that provide ecological, aesthetic, and recreational services The Resource

Threats to the Resource

What happens to the rain in our watersheds? It infiltrates into soils It runs off of rooftops and pavement It is absorbed It evaporates by plants

Stormwater is the water from rain or melting snows that can become runoff, flowing over the ground surface and returning to lakes and streams. What is stormwater?

Impervious surfaces

The Impact of Development on Stormwater Runoff 10% 20% 30% 55% more development More impervious surfaces more stormwater runoff

Nonpoint Source Pollution Sediment Fecal Bacteria Nutrients Toxic and Hazardous Substances

NPS #1 Sediment Loose particles of clay, silt and sand that are found in soil Construction Sites Agricultural Production Streambank Erosion

NPS #2 Bacteria of water bodies are impaired because of high levels of bacteria!

Septic Tank Septic Tank Failure SOURCES OF BACTERIA HUMANS

SOURCES OF BACTERIA DOMESTIC ANIMALS

SOURCES OF BACTERIA WILDLIFE AND OTHER NON-DOMESTIC ANIMALS Snow Geese, Brigantine Photo by Gary Lehman

NPS #3 Nutrients Nitrogen Phosphorus

SOURCES OF NUTRIENTS FERTILIZER

SOURCES OF NUTRIENTS ANIMAL WASTE

NPS #4 Hazardous 1. Pesticides Insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc. From homes, businesses, industries 1 billion pounds used each year in the U.S.! 2. Toxic Chemicals Spilled oil, fuel, solvents, paints, etc. From homes, businesses, industries Cleanup is difficult and expensive

Changing the way we do things Actions and practices for SUSTAINABLE LIVING: Protecting water resources Saving money and energy Reducing water consumption Better managing our environment (including lawns and landscapes)

Saving Money and Energy Using less water requires less energy and can save you money

Saving Money and Energy A family of four could save as much as $75 a year just by turning off the tap while brushing their teeth in the morning and at night. By fixing a leaky toilet a family could save $210 more. If a family of four switched from taking daily baths to short five minute showers they would save up to $490 in just one year. A family could save as much as 25,000 gallons and up to $162 a month just by running an automatic irrigation system two times a week instead of four. SOURCE: www.njwatersavers.rutgers.edu

Saving Money and Energy extends the life and reliability of public and private infrastructure prevents or postpones the need to fund and build expanded public works systems Helps prevent water pollution and combined sewer overflows (CSOs)

Reducing Water Consumption Indoors Fix household leaks Wash full loads of laundry and dishes Turn water off while brushing teeth Take shorter showers 5 minutes or less Avoid using running water to thaw frozen foods

Reducing Water Consumption Outdoors Water only when needed (1 / week) Water in the early or late hours of the day Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose Wash vehicles at a car wash that recycles water

Other Ways to Reduce Water Use Outdoor Adjust watering as conditions change Native plants Mulch around plants Water early in the morning Indoor Look for EPA WaterSense logo WaterSense toilets (20% less water) Energy efficient dishwashers and washing machines (50% less water) WaterSense showerheads (40% less water) Faucet aerators

More Ways to Reduce Water Use Disconnect Downspouts Capture Rain Water Runoff Install a Rain Barrel!

Reduce Rain Water Runoff Disconnect your downspout by installing a rain barrel

How much water can you harvest from one rooftop? Using a roof area of 800 ft 2 (40 x 20 ) Photo by: SharkeyinColo 1" rainfall event = 500 gallons 42" rainfall per year = 20,950 gallons

Use of Rain Barrel Water Use water within a week or two to discourage algae growth Use water before next rain is expected or connect to soaker hose in garden

Use of Rain Barrel Water In addition to watering shrubs, trees & gardens: Wash the dog, car or muddy feet Use in toilet tanks Use in birdbaths

So Many Barrels to Choose From

Reduce Rain Water Runoff

Connected or Disconnected?

Downspout Disconnection/Redirection

Landscape Management Strategies Predominant shoreline issue is erosion Causes of erosion runoff wave action ice access / use

Landscape Management Strategies Reduce amount of turfgrass in areas adjacent to waterways Reduce mowing frequency (let grass grow up to 8 ) Reduce/eliminate fertilizer use

Landscape Management Strategies Landscaping alternatives meadow management no mow zones naturalized plantings shoreline modification

Landscaping Alternatives Meadow Management Reduce mowing frequency in shoreline and streambank areas to a single monthly mowing at a height of 6-8 during the months of May through September

Meadow Management MEADOW AREA MANICURED EDGE

Landscaping Alternatives No Mow Zones In shoreline areas, eliminating regular mowing of the shoreline edge for a minimum of 5-10 and allowing vegetation to grow to a height of 24-30 is recommended for several reasons

Landscaping Alternatives Naturalized Plantings Install native plantings adapted to flood plain and wetland conditions and eliminate regular mowing. This approach requires project planning to design, purchase and install plantings. This approach requires a commitment to maintain new plantings during the establishment period. These plantings can often be done in conjunction with renovations or repairs. This approach is the preferred design option in NJDEP s Stormwater BMP manual as it improves and protects water quality.

Naturalized Plantings

Landscaping Alternatives Shoreline Modification grading live cuttings erosion blanket biologs seeding

Shoreline Modification Coir fiber logs and erosion control mats

Shoreline Modification Provide access points

Shoreline Modification Original condition

Shoreline Modification Restoration in progress

Shoreline Modification Restored shoreline

Healthy Landscapes = Healthy Waters South Branch, Raritan River Photo by M. Tobias

RAIN GARDENS!

Rain Gardens A rain garden is a landscaped, shallow depression that is designed to intercept, treat, and infiltrate stormwater at the source before it becomes runoff. The plants used in the rain garden are native to the region and help retain pollutants that could otherwise harm nearby waterways.

Rain Gardens 24 to 48 hours. Courtesy of City of Maplewood, MN

PARTS OF A RAIN GARDEN p. 28

SITE SELECTION p. 17 1. Next to a building with a basement, rain garden should be located min. 10 from building; no basement: 2 from building 2. Do not place rain garden within 25 of a septic system 3. Do not situate rain garden in soggy places where water already ponds 4. Avoid seasonably-high water tables within 2 of rain garden depth 5. Consider flat areas first easier digging 6. Avoid placing rain garden within dripline of trees 7. Provide adequate space for rain garden

DRAINAGE AREA CALCULATION p. 20 ROOF 1 DRAINAGE AREA ROOF 1 ROOF 1 ROOF 2 Surface Area = (L1 x W) + (L2 x W) = (15 x 20 ) + (10 x 20 ) = (300 ) + (200 ) = 500 ft 2 WIDTH LENGTH 1 LENGTH 2

CHECK YOUR SOIL p. 22 Infiltration/Percolation Test 1. Dig a hole in the proposed rain garden site (12 deep, 4-6 wide) 2. Fill with water to saturate soil and then let stand until all the water has drained into the soil 3. Once water has drained, refill the empty hole again with water so that the water level is about 1 from the top of the hole 4. Check depth of water with a ruler every hour for at least 4 hours 5. Calculate how many inches of water drained per hour

DETERMINING THE DEPTH p. 24 OF THE RAIN GARDEN

DETERMINING THE DEPTH p. 25 OF THE RAIN GARDEN Depth of rain garden is dependent upon the soil texture found at the site of the rain garden Depth is usually 3-8 inches

DETERMINING THE SIZE p. 25 OF THE RAIN GARDEN The size of the rain garden is dependent upon the amount of runoff entering the rain garden Rain Garden Sizing Table Based on New Jersey s Water Quality Design Storm (1.25 of rain over 2 hours) Drainage Area Size of 3 Deep Rain Garden CLAY SOIL* Size of 6 Deep Rain Garden SILTY SOIL Size of 8 Deep Rain Garden SANDY SOIL 500 ft 2 200 ft 2 100 ft 2 75 ft 2 750 ft 2 350 ft 2 150 ft 2 112 ft 2 1,000 ft 2 400 ft 2 200 ft 2 149 ft 2 1,500 ft 2 600 ft 2 300 ft 2 224 ft 2 2,000 ft 2 800 ft 2 400 ft 2 299 ft 2 *SOIL TEXTURE AMENDMENTS

SOIL TEXTURE AMENDMENTS p. 26 Soil texture amendments improve the rain garden s infiltration rate. compost mulch coarse sand river rocks

SOIL QUALITY AMENDMENTS p. 26 Soil quality amendments improve the rain garden s growing conditions for plants Improve soil s nutrient capacity REMEMBER: Your rain garden should NOT be permanently filled with water it should drain within 24 hours.

DETERMINING THE p. 27 INLET AND OVERFLOW Stormwater runoff enters the rain garden from an inlet Stormwater exits through the overflow

PREVENTING EROSION p. 27 Slope no greater than 3:1 Slow down velocity of water flowing through rain garden Add rocks to inlet area

p. 27 DETERMINING MULCH QUANTITY Allow for a 3 depth mulch (triple-shredded hardwood with no dye) to be spread throughout the entire rain garden Every 100 square feet of rain garden needs 1 cubic yards (3 depth)

RAIN GARDEN DESIGN

DESIGN AESTHETICS Formal or traditional design Shrub bed Perennial garden Hedges Naturalized planting & design Butterfly garden Meadow (warm season grasses & wildflowers) Buffer plantings

SITE CONSTRAINTS Sun vs. shade Exposure/wind Soil characteristics Hydrologic conditions Road salts Vehicle/pedestrian traffic

RAIN GARDEN DESIGN p. 29 SHAPING YOUR RAIN GARDEN Use a garden hose or rope to outline the desired shape of your rain garden on the ground Many rain gardens are in the shape of a circle or kidney bean, but your rain garden can take on whatever shape you prefer

SELECTING PLANTS FOR p. 29 YOUR RAIN GARDEN The success of your rain garden depends on selecting the right plants for the right place Plant your rain garden with plants adapted for your specific site Native plants can thrive without a lot of care, extra water, fertilizer, or pesticides Native plants are tolerant to dry and wet conditions

PLANT SELECTION p. 30 Select species based upon the following qualities: Plant size Moisture tolerances Sun preferences Plant aggressiveness Salt tolerance Habitat creation

SELECTING PLANT SPECIES Mature plant size Proximity to buildings and utility lines Pruning and shaping Seasonal interest Flowers Fall color Winter character Beneficial wildlife Flowers for butterflies Fruits for song birds

PLANTS IN THE RIGHT PLACE Courtesy of Pinelands Nursery & Supply

THE FUN PART! INSTALLING A RAIN GARDEN

STEP ONE Delineate rain garden area Remove existing grass with a shovel or machinery

STEP TWO Excavate to design depth based on necessary storage and soil amendment requirements

STEP THREE Add soil amendments, if necessary Combine amendments with existing soil using shovels or rototiller Loosen and prepare soil for grading and planting

STEP FOUR Prepare the berm, if necessary

STEP FIVE Prepare the overflow

STEP SIX Level the rain garden base

STEP SEVEN Plant native species

Apply mulch STEP EIGHT Allow for a 3 depth mulch (triple-shredded hardwood with no dye) to be spread throughout the entire rain garden For every 100 square feet of rain garden, you will need about 1 cubic yard of mulch (3 depth)

Water Plants STEP NINE

STEP TEN Appreciate a job well done

Ways You Can Help Plant Trees! Attend a Rain Barrel Workshop Install a Rain Garden

For more information Visit www.water.rutgers.edu for more information on storwmwater managemetn Visit www.epa.gov/watersense for information on water saving technologies Visit www.njwatersavers.rutgers. edu for information on water conservation practices