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LID Opportunities in Residential Types (view source)
Revision as of 18:52, 27 September 2017
, 6 years agono edit summary
A well-designed rain garden can be maintained with minimal care which is a great marketing point for homeowners. In the first two years, the plants will need watering to ensure they become established. After this establishment period, the garden should only need simple maitenance such as weeding.
A well-designed rain garden can be maintained with minimal care which is a great marketing point for homeowners. In the first two years, the plants will need watering to ensure they become established. After this establishment period, the garden should only need simple maitenance such as weeding.
==Permeable Pavement==
Permeable pavement are surfaces that encourage infiltration. They can be used in place of conventional asphalt or concrete pavement. These alternatives contain pores, spaces or joints that allow stormwater to pass through to a stone base where it is infiltrated into the underlying native soil or temporarily detained. Types of permeable pavement include:
*Pervious concrete
*Porous asphalt
*Permeable interlocking concrete pavers (PICP, or just permeable pavers)
Permeable pavement can be used for both driveways and walkways. When infiltrating driveway runoff, confirm whether your residential neighbourhood is in a wellhead protection area. Driveway runoff should not be infiltrated if in a wellhead protection area due to the risk of groundwater contamination. Contact your local Conservation Authority for more information on wellhead protection areas.
Focus on aesthetic appeal when marketing permeable pavers to homeowners. They come in a variety of colours and shapes, and can be laid out to form patterns or designs that enhance the landscape of residential properties.
Permeable pavement may also appeal to homeowners because it typically has a longer life span that traditional asphalt. As well, light coloured pavers typically require less winter maintenance. Water and snow generally seep through the joints of the pavers before ice can form. This reduces the amount of salt homeowners need to use on their driveways, walkways or patios.
==Soakaways and Infiltration Trenches==
Soakaways, also known as infiltration galleries and dry wells, are excavations in native soil that are filled with geotextile fabric and clean granular stone. Soakaways are typically designed with a perforated pipe inlet from a relatively clean water source, such as a roof or pedestrian area. When
possible, soakaways should be installed in areas where native soils allow for infiltration. If poorly draining soils are present, an underdrain can be installed to remove standing water.
Soakaways can be designed in many shapes and sizes. Larger pits can be used on residential lots with lots of available space.Where lot size is a constraint, a linear variation known as an infiltration trench can be used. This technique may be appropriate for sites where retrofit space is limited to long strips between buildings or along property lines.
==Rainwater Harvesting==
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for future use. Harvested water can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor non-potable uses with minimal treatment. Rainwater harvesting provides an easy and lowcost option for homeowners to reduce the volume of runoff conveyed from their properties to the municipal storm sewer system.
===Rainwater harvesting systems===
Rainwater harvesting systems collect rainwater from roof runoff and store it until it is needed. These systems are typically used for irrigation, however with additional equipment and proper treatment this water can be used for indoor purposes like toilet flushing and laundry. By using rainwater around the home residents can reduce their water bills while also reducing the amount of stormwater runoff entering the storm sewer system.
Rainwater storage tanks come in a variety of dimensions and shapes to accommodate both the size and desired aesthetics of residential properties. They can fit unobtrusively against the home, buried underground, or even placed below a deck.
===Rain Barrels===
While they provide similar functions to rainwater harvesting systems, rain barrels have much more limited storage space. Rain barrels are installed at the outlet of downspouts and intercept water draining down roofs. Water collected in rain barrels can be used for irrigation. Rain barrels come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Residents can choose a style of rain barrel that is best suited to their home and personal tastes. For example, rain barrels can be decorated to create garden art.