Stormwater

StormwaterWater is the essence of wetnessAnd wetness is the essence of beauty.~Derek Zoolander

zoolander

You may have some questionsWhat is stormwater?

Why do people care about it?

Why should I care about it?

Is stormwater affecting me all the time?

Are there times of the year when stormwater has greater effects?

Do people of certain areas need to be more concerned about stormwater than others?

Rest assured, together we will answer these questions and more!What is stormwater?Water that originates during precipitous events

Where can the water go?

ImmediatelyWater can go up via evaporation or transpiration, down into the ground, or sideways to somewhere else.4Remember the Water Cycle

Stormwater that doesnt go into the ground or returns to the atmosphere is called Stormwater Runoff

UltimatelyThe effect of paved surfaces!!

Why do people care about stormwater?...............two reasons1. The water itselfFLOODING!!!! $$$$$$

Landslides

2. Whats in the WaterPollutants

Nitrates

Phosphates

Heavy metals

Seasonal Effects!

Salted roads in winter adds to pollutants. Increased salt concentration can inhibit certain bacteria and impact the ability of plants to absorb nutrients and water. Spring freshet increases the amount of released stormwater into the system.10Road Salt!We deice roads in the winter using saltNaClChloride ion (Cl-) is damaging to the environment and can affect plant and wildlife.

Snow Melts in SpringSpring freshet

Increased amounts of stormwater due to snowmelt in early spring.

Carries sediment and other pollutants with it.

Although the freshet occurs every spring, there is more flow in some years than others. During an average year, about two and a half billion pounds of sediment wash down the Susquehanna into the Bay. In very wet years it can be twice that.

2.5 billion lbs = approx 3 Empire State Buildings Stormwater management!Separate vs. combined stormwater and sewerSwales and pipesRetention and Detention PondsRain Barrels and CisternsGreen RoofsRain GardensPermeable pavementsWASTEWATERLets work out the definition.

How is wastewater different from sewage?Any water negatively impacted by human influenceSubset of wastewater that contains feces and/or urineIn a wet 2006, more than 1 billion gallons of untreated water was released into the riverHow does stormwater connect to wastewater?Wastewater ManagementSewer SystemsTransport wastewater & sewage to the

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP)

History Lesson: SewersAncient times!!Humans lived in small groupswaste wasnt much of an issue

Messopotamia, Rome, & ChinaPeople develop agriculture which allows for life in the city.

Population densities increase = lots of waste in one areaLondon: A Case Study!In the days when London was still small, people dumped their waste outside their windows!

This continued for a time until someone said, Gee, I really dont like walking in my own poo!

Pip-pipCheerio!Sewage in LondonSewers were built!

BUT

All wastewater was sent to the Thames!By 1849 fish were eliminated!Between 1831 and 1866: 4 cholera epidemics!

London, Lancaster, and PhiladelphiaCombined sewer: old system designed to carry both sanitary waste andsurface runoff

OVERLOADING THE SYSTEM!!

OUTFALLSWhere combined sewer water and runoff is discharged into rivers

Separate sewer and Stormwater

Excludes surface runoff from sanitary waste30

Google: what happens after the flush

esa21.kennesaw.edu/activities/ww.../ww-treat-after-flush-epa.pdfWhat happens after the flush?Best Management Practices(BMPs)SwalesA ditch that channels and absorbs stormwater runoff.Slows stormwaters entrance into streams or lakes.The best kinds are planted with native vegetation.

Swale Pics!Vegetated swaleSwale with dams

Retention vs. DetentionRetention Ponds(Wet Pond)

Detention Pond(Dry Pond)A Permanent, man-made pond used to hold stormwater and release it slowly.A man-made basin that holds water temporarily during heavy storms.

Rain BarrelsContainers used by people to catch stormwater that would normally run off their roof and into the storm drain.

Common uses: Watering lawns Wash cars / clothes

CisternsA LARGE container used to store water to be used at a later time. Usually is underground

Green RoofsA building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation.

Advantages:1. absorbs rainwater2. insulation to house3. habitat for wildlife4. lowers urban air temperatures

MORE COOL EXAMPLESRain GardenA sunken vegetated area used to collect and store stormwater. Often used near parking lots.

Permeable PavementsSurfaces paved with materials that allow the passage of stormwater to the soil beneath.