Maryland’s rainfall is almost 41 inches per year. Have you ever wondered where all that water goes? It sluices off roofs, crashes over the roads, and cascades down hills. Some of it soaks into the soil to increase groundwater. Some of it adds to our streams and lakes. What is the process for stormwater management in Silver Spring, MD?
Why Does Stormwater Need Management?
Rain and melting snow and ice soaked into the ground before the land was developed and cities sprang up. Surfaces were permeable, so water soaked in or evaporated, which took some time.
When buildings and roads were built, they were not permeable. Water sluiced off them very fast, flooding the area. The speed and amount of water that falls during a storm needs to be managed with drain systems, so the water goes directly into streams and lakes and does not run into homes or other buildings.
Stormwater Management to Eliminate Pollution
As towns and farms developed, chemicals, animal waste, raw sewage, fertilizers, eroded soil, oil, trash, and debris were found in stormwater runoff. Aquatic life, animals, and birds died from drinking it.
Ideally, stormwater management would stop runoff before it gets into the drainage system. The water would then have a chance to soak into the ground or evaporate normally, keeping pollution out of streams and rivers.
Find out What You Can Do
Improving drainage systems is the top priority with companies that specialize in stormwater management in Silver Spring, MD. Canals and channelized streams and rivers help carry storm runoff, but this can flood areas downstream. Manipulating the natural system by which rainfall flows is catching on but isn’t universal just yet.
Stormwater management is improving, slowly but surely. Stormwater management companies can tell you what you can do on your own property to help. Call Magnolia Plumbing, Heating & Cooling or visit us online at to learn more.
