Question

Explain Storm water Management

Answer 1

Stormwater management is an effort to reduce runoff of rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns, and other sites in urban and rural areas and the improvement of water quality. As more land is developed, we also see a rapid change in the natural patterns and rates of runoff Mother Nature has created. Construction of buildings, parking lots, and roadways, however, alters significantly the volume and velocity of natural runoff, leaving an important need to properly convey our stormwater safely to its final destination (i.e. its designated body of water).

Why is stormwater management necessary?
When we build roads, buildings, and other structures, the natural infiltration of runoff is interrupted, resulting in increased rates of runoff and localized flooding. Increased levels of the impervious surface area add pollution to streams, rivers, and creeks and ultimately larger water bodies like the Chesapeake. Decreased infiltration and increased runoff create the need for stormwater management, which provides significant benefit to people in terms of health, welfare, and safety and the environment in terms of its health, function, and sustainability. There are three key components that are considered in contemporary stormwater management design:

1. Effective treatment of water quality
2. Control of excess runoff volume and velocity
3. Groundwater infiltration