Rainwater harvesting is a simple and effective practice that provides water for our gardens and benefits the environment.
Excess stormwater quickly runs off of impermeable surfaces. These surges of runoff can be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems that are in the watershed of urban areas. Rainwater harvesting is an effective solution that homeowners can introduce to capture and slow down stormwater, protecting surrounding habitats and stormwater management infrastructure.
The reconstructed wetland in Rangeview is an example of an aquatic ecosystem that is directly in the watershed of an urban area. Stormwater that runs off of the houses, driveways, sidewalks, and streets in Rangeview will move towards the wetland. Wetlands slow down excess runoff and allow water to slowly infiltrate into the soil. By doing so, wetlands reduce the risk of flooding, and reduce pressure on rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. Wetlands restore balance into the water cycle and its very important that we protect, preserve, and appreciate our wetland in Rangeview.
One way that we can protect our wetland is to install rainwater harvesting systems in Rangeview. We can reduce the pressure on the wetland by collecting water that falls on our roofs. Then, as an added benefit, we can use this rainwater in our gardens. Many people default to using water from the tap for their gardens, however, this can be costly and wasteful. Potable water that flows from our taps goes through a series of treatments to ensure that it is safe for drinking. Plants do not require potable water to grow, and are more than happy to receive rainwater that we harvest from our roofs. Homeowners can cut down on utility bill costs by simply installing a low-tech rainwater harvesting system. All you need is gutters and downspouts (which all houses already have), a rainwater barrel, and a spigot and hose to irrigate your garden.
DID YOU KNOW? Wetlands filter out sediments and pollutants from stormwater. As stormwater runs off of hard surfaces in urban areas, it picks up harmful pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, motor oil, and road salts. These pollutants can be harmful to surrounding aquatic ecosystems. For example, a pond could be polluted with fertilizer runoff, which can cause algal blooms that can damage the delicate ecosystem within the pond. The varying layers of aggregate, aquatic plants, and microbial ecosystem act as a buffer zone that removes these pollutants and recharges groundwater, lakes, river, ponds, and streams with fresh, clean water.
Another amazing thing about wetlands is that they provide a safe habitat for a vast array of plant and animal species. Wetlands provide food and sanctuary for species that have evolved to rely on these specialized ecosystems to live in, feed on, migrate through, and build nests and families within.
Learn More About the Rainwater Harvesting in Rangeview here.
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