Responding to stormwater hazards

http://www.yunzcontracting.com.au Level 1 ASP Level 1 Authorised Service Provider

Our society faces a lot of environmental issues. These issues aggravate because of the ways on

how we mismanage the ecosystems.

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One of the issues we need to confront is the hazards brought by stormwater. This issue is

both an urban and rural concern that we need to address.





Stormwater is either rainwater or snowmelt that runs across any impervious surfaces such as rooftops, roadways, paved streets, parks and

parking lots into the stormwater system or any drainage or sewers.





When the ground or soil cannot absorb the excess water from rain, snow melt or other

sources, that excess water flows over the land and becomes a surface runoff (water that

doesn’t soak into the ground).





Impervious surfaces such as streets, buildings, driveways, parking lots, anything asphalt or

concrete and compacted soil don’t allow rainwater or snowmelt to infiltrate into the ground, more

surface runoff is generated





This can erode streams, rivers and other watercourses, impair the habitat and cause flood

if the stormwater system cannot collect the excess or if the drainage or flood control system

cannot drain them out.





If the surface runoff collects pollution on the way or if pollution enters surface water, it becomes a polluted runoff. As water runs off, it can pick up pollutants such as oil, garbage, animal wastes,

fertilizers and pesticides.





The polluted runoff can go into stormwater drainage, irrigation systems or make its way to the rivers, lakes and ocean. Worst, it can get

into our local water supply.





Polluted or untreated runoff is unsafe for human use, not safe to drink and not recommended for swimming. It is laden with bacteria and viruses, organic compounds and toxic metals. This is why an epidemic of diseases and infections follows

after a flood.





Minimize your use of fertilizers, pesticides or garden chemicals. Use organic alternative if you have. What you put onto your garden can find

its way to the stream.





Choose plants that you can maintain with less watering and fewer chemicals.





Do not dispose any chemicals, oil, paint or any other hazardous substances onto the ground,

stormwater drain or sewers.





Fix the oil leaks of your car or your aboveground fuel storage tank.

Have your septic tank system maintained regularly to prevent leaks.





Do not hose off you driveways and sidewalks. Just sweep them instead.

Clean up of your pet’s dispose and throw them away properly in the trash can.





Wash your car on the grass or gravel. These surfaces can filter the dirt and soap out of water.

Or else





Do not build too much impervious surfaces around your property. Reduce them or replace

them with better alternatives such as gravel, brick, cobbles, paving blocks and natural stone.





By doing your part, you can help prevent the terrible effects of excessive runoff. Runoff pollution would not be a problem if your

community acts to protect the environment.





If you want to have a stormwater collection system built, you should contact a civil contractor

who is also an accredited Level 1 authorised service provider.




Education

Responding to stormwater hazards