Stormwater Management Practice

Joanna visits with Dr. Amanda Gumbert, Extension Water Quality Specialist to discuss stormwater considerations around the home.
Water that doesn’t soak into the ground when it rains is called stormwater. Stormwater runs off of roads, sidewalks, parking lots, homes, and buildings. When it runs across these surfaces it can pick up trash, motor oil, antifreeze, salt, and other pollutants. Stormwater is not treated, and it eventually makes its way to creeks, rivers, lakes or ponds. We see stormwater runoff a lot in the springtime in Kentucky, and especially when we have heavy rainfall when the ground is already saturated. Heavy rains are a good time to learn. The next time it rains, watch where the water goes around your house or around your community. Notice erosion-prone areas. The rules of stormwater infrastructure are slow it down, spread it out, soak it in. These rules help reduce damage from stormwater and protect water quality. Around your house consider installing a rain garden or planting some trees – trees are great at absorbing stormwater. Rain barrels can help catch some of the roof runoff of your house, and you can use it later to water gardens or landscaping. Reducing the amount of paved or impervious surfaces also helps rain soak into the ground.
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Warren County Cooperative Extension Service