Page 11 - 7086 - Managing Rainwater Booklet_Neat

ways to manage downspout runoff

Downspout runoff can be managed in various ways. Splashblocks and conveyance furrows direct rainwater to infiltration areas like rain
gardens or swales, or capture systems such as rain barrels.

MATERIAL SYSTEM TYPE DESCRIPTION/TIPS BENEFITS DRAWBACKS

Splashblocks Conveyance Rainwater pouring out of downspouts can low cost limited varieties and
cause erosion and moisture problems around designs available on the
your foundation. Splashblocks help disperse disperse runoff market
runoff away from your home and prevent prevent landscape
landscape erosion. erosion
Tip: For a more eco-friendly solution, go with
a splashblock made from recycled concrete or
post-consumer plastic.

Rain gardens Infiltration Described further on page 12 low long-term require regular
maintenance maintenance
A shallow depression with a designed soil mix absorb and infiltrate
and native plants captures runoff and allows it more water than the
to soak into the ground. same size area of lawn
attractive and interesting
landscape features

Permeable paving Infiltration Described further on page 14 reusable, can be can have a high
reconfigured initial cost
Permeable pavement, constructed as a facility, extremely durable most manufacturers
require professional
can accept rooftop runoff and soak it into the can serve as a patio,
soil. walkway, or driveway installation

Rain barrels and cisterns
Capture/ Described further on page 16 low cost (rain barrels) high initial cost (cisterns)
detention
reduce use of water cannot be used for
Designed to catch roof runoff, cisterns are big for irrigation drinking water without
expensive filters
rain barrels that hold hundreds to thousands of reduce runoff volume
gallons of water. and delay peak flow require regular
maintenance

Soakage trenches Conveyance/ Described further on page 17 low cost rocks can collect
infiltration sediment and debris
layout can be flexible over time and require
Soakage trenches offer a more flexible option does not require weeding
than piping. extensive disturbance of
These shallow depressions can convey runoff yard or lawn
away from buildings to a better discharge slow runoff and provide
location such as a rain garden. more benefits than piped
Trenches can be vegetated or rock-lined, conveyance options
depending on aesthetic preference and the
slope of the site.
Deeper rock trenches can hold and infiltrate
water.

green stormwater solutions |11