Under Construction - Thanks for Your Patience!!!
Controlling Stormwater Starts at Home
We can reduce the pollution of our waterbodies by reducing the run-off on our properties. Even though managing storm water run-off is often considered the job of the local government, individual homeowners play a large role in storm water management that can have a positive impact on the larger community.
StormWater Run-Off 101
Stormwater run-off occurs when rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and streets prevent the water from naturally soaking into the ground.
Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, or wetland. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies that we use for swimming, fishing, and drinking water. These chemicals, debris, dirt and other pollutants are called Non-Point Source (NPS) pollution.
What to do?
Reducing the quantity and improving the quality of storm water runoff in Carson City can start with individual homeowners. Best management practices (BMPs) are methods that have been determined to by the most effective, practical means of preventing or reducing pollution. Some storm water BMPs can be implemented when first planning and building the home and designing the landscape or as incrermental parts of a landscape improvement project on an existing property. Others can be incorporated into day-to-day activities. You can help reduce storm water run-off by participating in the new Carson City Homeowner BMP program. This program offers incentives * to participating landowners. Many of these best management practices may seem rather simple or small, but the cumulative effect throughout the entire Carson River watershed can significantly contribute to improved storm water management and cleaner water for our community.
Types of BMPs
Permeable Pavement - more to follow
Grassy Swales - Specially designed areas planted with native plants can provide natural places for water to collect and soak into the ground. Water from rooftop or paved areas can be diverted into these areas rather than into storm drains.
Rain Barrels - You can collect rainwater from rooftops and use the water later on lawn or garden areas.
Vegetated Filter Strips - Filter strips are areas of native grasses or plants created along roadways or streams. They trap the pollutants stormwater picks up as it flows across driveways and streets.
Why Bother?
Property owners benefit from BMPs include:
Enhanced curb appeal
Protections of your investment
Reduced fire hazards through defensible space and appropriate landscape materials
Reduced flooding damages through installation of proper drainage and sediment controls
Carson City & Other Organizations benefits include:
Reduced flooding impacts - clearing culverts and storm drains is labor intensive and expensive
Reduction of fire and flooding hazards and expenses
Less pollution entering local water bodies and the Carson River.
*(such as free design and implementation of specific BMPs on your property)
Publications & Websites
