Stiebel Eltron
Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300 E Heat Pump Water Heater
The Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300 E Heat Pump Water Heater represents the pinnacle of water heating technology, engineered in Germany and leading the European ...
$2799
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Stormwater Management at Home
In theory, rainwater falling on our landscapes should be a good thing. All living things need water to survive. Roughly 40 inches of average annual rainfall is necessary to keep our crops growing, our forests healthy, and our rivers flowing. In a healthy ecosystem, heavy rains and excess snowmelt would be absorbed by a thick, nutrient-rich layer of topsoil. Topsoil acts like a sponge, soaking up water and making it available to plants. The rivers and streams would carry the excess moisture to lakes - and eventually to the ocean, where it would evaporate into clouds before eventually falling once again as rain to complete the hydrologic cycle.
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By Laura Bourland, Rise Writer
Mar 28, 2025 · 8 min read
What IS Stormwater?
Stormwater is defined as surface water in abnormal quantity resulting from heavy falls of rain or snow. Stormwater can have adverse environmental effects, as discussed below. Every homeowner can help reduce and even eliminate some of the negative consequences of stormwater by following some of the landscaping suggestions we offer.
Why Is Stormwater Runoff a Problem?
Water is a necessary natural resource, but too much of it in one place can cause a variety of problems. The development of roads, buildings, and other hardscapes is causing growing issues with stormwater runoff, flooding our streets and homes, and polluting local drinking water, rivers, lakes, and oceans. An inch of rain may not seem like much to you, but even a small roof can collect hundreds of gallons of water from just that single inch.
To calculate your home's actual runoff volume, measure the square footage of your roof, and multiply it by 0.62 gallons (2.35 liters) to get the volume of water flowing off per inch of rainwater.
How Can Stormwater Runoff Be Reduced?
Using sustainable roofing materials, installing rain gutters and downspouts, and opting for a green roof will all help to reduce stormwater runoff.
We'll look at these in-depth below.
Sustainable Roofing Materials
The rainwater that falls on your roof most likely flows down your shingles, through a gutter system, and onto your driveway before eventually making its way to the sewer. Asphalt shingled roofs can leach dangerous heavy metals such as copper, phthalates, and even lead from roofing screws and washers into waterways. When it comes time to replace your roof, consider opting for one of these more sustainable roofing options. Not only will this reduce the chemical runoff into stormwater, but it will also allow you to experiment with home rainwater catchment systems.
Rain Gutters
Properly installed rain gutters, leaders, and drains will collect water and direct it to a safe location, away from the foundation of your home.
Downspouts
Drainage from your rain gutters should be directed to natural areas where water can soak into the ground or directly into a rain barrel or cistern. Collected water can be used to water your lawn and garden, wash cars and pets, and flush toilets—all of which will reduce your water bill.
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Rise Writer
Expert. Practical. Sustainable.
Article by
Laura Bourland
Laura grew up in the California suburbs, far removed from environmentalism, but nature always has a way. She uprooted her life in 2015, moving to the countryside of Washington to live a more sustainable and simple life on 12 acres. She and her fiancee are learning on the job as they attempt everything from gardening and natural pest control to eco-friendly building and home improvement.
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