What is a Stormwater House Call?
The Stormwater House Call is a free program created to assist homeowners in assessing their properties for ways to better manage stormwater through Best Management Practices. These can be as simple as reducing pesticide use to installing rain barrels, rain gardens and riparian buffers.
Stormwater pollution is the uncontrolled runoff of rainwater from hard surfaces such as roofs, driveways, roadways, parking lots and even lawn areas. This water enters our storm sewer system where it is discharged untreated to our local creeks contributing to impairment.
Here’s How a Stormwater House Call Could Help You
Rethinking Landscaping and Landscaping Practices
Reduce fertilizer and pesticide use as well as increase the use of native plants in the place of lawn.
Trees and Riparian Buffers
Trees absorb large amounts of rainfall. Buffers are vegetated areas along creeks that protect streambanks and help improve water quality.
Pervious Paving
Think about installing pavers or pervious asphalt that will allow water to infiltrate into the ground.
Rain Barrels
Collect rainwater from your roof in a rain barrel for later use in your yard.
Redirecting Gutters
Direct your gutters away from hard surfaces that carry runoff into the streets and storm sewers.
Rain Gardens
A depressed garden that can collect and infiltrate runoff from your roof and paved surfaces. Studies have shown that stormwater management improvements can increase property value.
Rain Barrel Program
I was very excited to participate in the StreamSmart Stormwater House Call program as a new homeowner in Ardmore. I learned so much from the audit of my property and subsequent report about how to prevent runoff and provide water sustainably for my gardens. I also greatly appreciated the free rain barrel and native plants, which are thriving in my new garden!
– Kim Hachadoorian
Ready to Get Started?
Are you concerned about the way excess rainwater leaves your property?