Think Blue: Reduce Runoff

Reduce Runoff

Reducing the amount of water leaving your property is the most direct way of reducing stormwater pollution. NH DES has put together a very easy to use homeowners guide. It has detailed designs as well as some suggested plants to use and much more!

Here are three ways YOU can help reduce runoff on your property:

PLANT A VEGETATED BUFFER

Plants play two major roles in treating stormwater pollution. Structurally they slow the water down. Plants also have a natural ability to "clean" the water by absorbing some of the excess nutrients, binding soil particles and so on. By planting a diverse vegetated buffer between your home and our water resources you can achieve both of these benefits!

Native buffers can be a beautiful addition to your landscape. To view one, visit the Norris Brook Buffer demonstration site at the north end of Swasey Parkway.

PLANT A RAIN GARDEN

A rain garden is a bowl-shaped garden that uses soil, mulch, and plants to capture, absorb, and treat stormwater.

This helps to reduce the amount of stormwater coming from your property and to recharge groundwater. Learn how to make your own rain garden here. See what it takes to build a rain garden here.

Rain gardens can be as pretty as they are efficient. To view one in person, visit the rain garden on Pleasant Street in Founders Park near the library.

RAIN BARRELS

As the name suggests, rain barrels are barrels you connect to your gutter downspouts to collect the water. Then use your collected rainwater to water your garden or landscape