Take Action
At Home
Install gardens
(with native plantings) - Even lawn areas are less permeable than
natural lands, so converting lawn to garden can enhance the
ability of rain to filter into the ground. Planting these areas
with native species would reduce the need to supplement rainfall
by watering and would reduce the amount of time, gas, and money
spent mowing grass.
Channel downspouts into lawn and garden areas - Often rain
is channeled from roofs through downspouts into storm sewers.
Redirecting downspouts into the garden or lawn would provide
greater opportunity for rain to percolate into the soil.
Pervious pavers - Surfaces that do not have to carry heavy
traffic loads, such as driveways, overflow parking areas,
and sidewalks, do not need to be impermeable. Numerous types
of paver blocks allow rain to penetrate into the ground while
still providing the base needed to support its use.
Riparian buffers - One of the most sensitive areas for water
quality is the edge of waterways. Mature vegetated buffers
along streams can reduce pollutants entering the water by
as much as 90%. Maintaining and/or restoring natural vegetative
buffers enhances water quality and reduces streambank erosion.
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