Stormwater Runoff and the District of Columbia Stormwater runoff is rainwater that flows off impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, roads, sidewalks and sometimes even lawns. Stormwater runoff travels from these surfaces to our streams, picking up pollutants such as oil and grease from our roadways and driveways as it goes. Nutrients from lawn fertilizers and bacteria from pet waste may also be picked up by stormwater and carried to our streams. RiverSmart Homes Defined: This District wide program offers incentives to homeowners interested in reducing stormwater runoff from their properties. Homeowners receive up to $1,200 in landscaping services for one or more of the following landscape enhancements: Shade Trees, Rain Barrels, Pervious Pavers, Rain Gardens and BayScaping.
Impervious Area in the District of Columbia and the Chesapeake Bay Region Map of impervious area in Chesapeake Bay watershed Map of impervious area in Washington DC
DC is %40 T_T
The Effects of Stormwater Runoff in the District of Columbia: Over 34 miles of District rivers and streams do not support swimming or aquatic life use. The major cause of impairment to District surface water is pathogens. Combined sewer overflow and urban runoff are the main causes of pollution in District bodies of water.
Trash accumulation in Pope Branch Combined Sewer Overflow into Anacostia River Eroded stream bank in Rock Creek
Sewer System Background 1 pipe MS4 CSO MS4 MS4 2 pipes 1/3 of District served by combined sewer 2/3 of District served by separate storm and sanitary sewers (MS4)
Goals of RiverSmart Homes : Reduce quantity and improve quality of stormwater runoff Recharge groundwater Habitat diversity Promote water conservation Promote watershed stewardship BayScaping Rain Barrels Permeable Pavement Rain Gardens Shade Trees
Rain Barrels Rain Barrels Defined: Rain barrels capture and store the rainwater running off your rooftop. The harvested rainwater can be stored for later use, released slowly over time to infiltrate properly, or used immediately for watering lawns and landscaped areas, filling ponds or fountains, or washing cars. Benefits of Rain Barrels Collects runoff from rooftops that runs directly into our streets and storm sewers, carrying it (and the pollutants it collects) directly to the local waterways Decrease municipal water use, lowering demand for treated water especially during periods of drought Assist in recharging the groundwater table when emptied after rain events Copayment for Homeowner: $30.00 Mitigate the threat of urban flooding when used on a large scale
Shade Trees Benefits of Shade Trees. Shade trees require minimal maintenance and provide many advantages for the homeowner. Decrease heating bills up to 15% and cooling bills up to 50% Reduce crime a 2001 study showed apartment buildings with trees and vegetation, had more than 50% fewer total crimes than nonlandscaped building Provide privacy by muffling the sound from traffic, lawn mowers, and loud neighbors Improve air quality by removing small pollutant particulates (i.e. sulfur dioxide, ozone, etc.) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by taking up carbon dioxide Create habitat for plants and animals Mitigate the urban heat island effect by shading our homes and streets, (urban/suburban areas are 2 to 10 F (1 to 6 C) hotter than rural areas) Copayment for Homeowner: $50.00
BayScaping BayScaping is simply planting vegetation that is native to the Chesapeake Bay region, in which the District of Columbia is located. Copayment for Homeowner: $100.00 Benefits of BayScaping: Improves the health of local streams and waterways by absorbing more stormwater and runoff than a conventional landscape. Are more adapted to local climate conditions than exotic non native species, resulting in less need (and cost) for herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides, or soil conditioning Help to remove suspended solids and heavy metals (i.e. cadmium and lead) from ground water Stabilize soils and prevent erosion Support local wildlife, such as beneficial pollinators, songbirds, and migrating birds and butterflies, by providing food (nectar and seed) and habitat
Rain Gardens Rain Gardens Defined A rain garden is a area landscaped to collect, store and absorb stormwater runoff in its loose underlying soil. Rain gardens are strategically placed to intercept stormwater runoff and hold it until the water can be fully absorbed into the ground.
Benefits of Rain Gardens Rain Gardens manage stormwater on site by intercepting and filtering pollutants such as fertilizers and pesticides, and oil and other automobile fluids washed off of impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways, turf, roads and parking lots. In addition, rain gardens: Increase the amount of water filtering into the ground, which recharges local and regional aquifers Help to protect communities from flooding and drainage problems Provide valuable habitat for local birds, butterflies and many beneficial insects Minimize the need for mowing, pesticides, pruning, irrigation and fertilization Require minimal watering Copayment for Homeowner: $75.00
Pervious Pavers Pervious Pavers Defined Pervious pavers permit water to seep around and through their paved surface, and soak naturally into the ground underneath. In short, pervious pavers are a self draining system. Benefits of Pervious Pavers: Pervious Pavers improve the health of local streams and waterways by producing substantially less stormwater runoff than conventional pavements. In addition, pervious pavers: Increase natural irrigation of your green space, reducing water use and cost Are less expensive to maintain and/or replace Promote groundwater recharge, increasing both the quantity and quality of water Reduce flooding and erosion caused by flooding Promote tree survival by providing air and water to their roots
Working with Non Profit Partners The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay coordinates the contractors for the landscaping features DC Greenworks installs the rain barrels Casey Trees installs the shade trees
A Snapshot of Today 5,500 DC Homeowners interested in the program! City wide Installations: 3,500 audits completed 2,300 rain barrels installed 2,100 trees planted 500 rain gardens installed 500 BayScapes installed 60 impervious surfaces removed