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Managing stormwater at home is easier than you think. Here’s a quick guide to four effective Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Maryland homeowners to reduce runoff, prevent flooding, and protect water quality:
- Rain Gardens: Capture and filter rainwater naturally using native plants. Great for small spaces and improving biodiversity.
- Bioswales: Ideal for larger areas with gentle slopes, these channels filter and direct water while reducing pollutants.
- Permeable Pavers: Perfect for driveways and walkways, they let water seep through, reducing runoff and erosion.
- Underground Storage Systems: A space-saving solution to store and manage runoff below ground.
Quick Comparison
BMP Type | Space Needed | Pollution Control | Maintenance Needs | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rain Gardens | At least 10 ft from homes | Filters nutrients, sediments | Moderate (weeding, sediment removal) | Small urban lots (< 1/4 acre) |
Bioswales | Larger, linear spaces | Removes road salt, metals | Moderate (annual inspection) | Medium to large properties |
Permeable Pavers | Fits paved areas | Reduces sediment, runoff | Low (cleaning, alignment) | Medium-sized properties |
Underground Storage | Minimal surface disruption | Stores water for controlled infiltration | Low (infrequent checks) | Tight spaces or any property size |
Tip: Local incentive programs may cover up to 50% of installation costs. Whether you have a small yard or a large property, there’s a BMP that fits your needs.
Stormwater Management – Residential BMPs featuring Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Jason Swope
1. Rain Gardens
Rain gardens are a smart way to manage runoff from hard surfaces like roofs and driveways. They don’t just help reduce flooding but also improve water quality. Here’s how to set one up and why they’re worth considering.
Installation Steps
- Site Selection and Planning
Pick a spot at least 10 feet away from your home’s foundation to avoid any structural issues [2]. Before digging, call Maryland’s dig-safe number at least 72 hours in advance to check for underground utilities [3]. - Soil Testing and Preparation
Test the soil to ensure it drains well. A good rain garden should empty within 24 hours after a storm [3].
"If everyone in my neighborhood installed a rain garden, imagine the positive reduction in stormwater and flooding that would occur downstream. Plus, we’d have some pretty awesome looking native flowers and grasses around for the pollinators and wildlife."
– Geoff Goll, P.E., President, Princeton Hydro [3]
In Maryland, rain gardens are a practical and effective way to manage varying rainfall while safeguarding water quality.
Space Requirements
When designing a rain garden, keep these factors in mind:
- The slope of your yard
- Soil type and its drainage capacity
- How much space is available
- The natural flow of water on your property
Pollution Control
Rain gardens do more than look good; they act as natural filters by:
- Collecting the first inch of runoff, which often carries the most pollutants [7]
- Trapping nutrients, sediments, and harmful toxins [6]
- Promoting local biodiversity by supporting pollinators and native plants
- Replenishing groundwater supplies [5]
Upkeep Costs
Maintaining a rain garden is relatively easy compared to other landscaping projects:
"A rain garden would be like other gardens around your yard – it’s meant to drain, it isn’t supposed to be a wetland. The difference is during the rainy season it gets more water than other gardens. You’ll have to choose plants that can withstand higher amounts of water during the wet season. On the other hand, they also have to survive our dry summers."
– Derek Godwin, Oregon State University Extension Service [6]
For Maryland homeowners, the University of Maryland Extension offers a free Rain Garden app for iPhone users. This tool simplifies the process by helping with design, plant selection, and installation [4].
An example of their effectiveness? During a tropical storm that dumped 4.29 inches of rain in under 24 hours, Geoff Goll’s rain garden drained all the water it collected in just 8 hours [3]. That’s proof these gardens can handle even intense storms.
2. Bioswales
Bioswales are a smart way to handle frequent, small storms while improving water quality on Maryland properties. Similar to rain gardens, they blend naturally into residential landscapes but provide a more effective solution for managing stormwater.
Installation Steps
Here’s how to get started with a bioswale:
- Site Assessment: Look for a property area with a gentle slope (1%–4%) and soil that can absorb at least 0.5 inches of water per hour.
- Design Planning: Plan for the bioswale to cover at least 1% of the drainage area. For example, if you’re dealing with a 2,000-square-foot impervious surface, the bioswale should span 20 square feet.
- Construction: Build the bioswale using layers of engineered soil, a gravel base, perforated underdrains, and overflow structures to handle excess water.
Space Requirements
The design of your bioswale should align with the property’s specific needs:
- A surface area that’s at least 1% of the total drainage area [10].
- A slope ranging from 1% to 4% [10].
- A water table located below the bottom of the bioswale [10].
Pollution Control
A well-designed bioswale – typically about 13 feet wide – can reduce total rainfall runoff by around 25% [9]. These systems are great at filtering out pollutants such as:
- Road salt
- Tire dust
- Sediment
- Heavy metals
- Oil and grease
- Harmful bacteria
"Bioswales may be effective in any region as they can be tailored to the specific installation location by incorporating native plants…They may be designed to convey any size storm but are most effective in dealing with frequent, small rain events." – Naturally Resilient Communities (NRC) [9]
Upkeep Costs
Maintenance is just as important as the design itself. To keep your bioswale functioning properly:
- Inspect it annually and after major storms.
- Remove debris and sediment buildup when needed.
- Maintain native plantings to ensure they thrive.
Using native Maryland plants can help minimize upkeep costs [8]. Regular inspections and care will ensure your bioswale stays effective for years to come.
3. Permeable Pavers
Permeable pavers are a smart solution for managing stormwater runoff. Their porous design allows water to seep through the surface, helping to restore the natural water cycle and reduce the volume of runoff water [11].
Pollution Control
Beyond managing runoff, permeable pavers are effective at filtering pollutants. A 22-month study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in Madison, Wisconsin, showed that these pavers can significantly reduce sediment and sediment-bound pollutants in stormwater runoff [11]. Plus, they use far less salt – just 0–25% of what’s typically needed for winter maintenance on conventional pavements [11].
"Permeable pavement is a porous urban surface which catches precipitation and surface runoff, storing it in the reservoir while slowly allowing it to infiltrate into the soil below."
– U.S. Geological Survey [11]
Upkeep Costs
Keeping permeable pavers in good condition is affordable with regular maintenance. Basic tasks like cleaning, inspecting, and occasional realignment help ensure their longevity. Maintenance costs generally range from $0.05 to $0.37 per square foot [13].
Maintenance Task | Frequency | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Vacuum sweeping | Quarterly | Remove debris and prevent clogging |
Joint inspection | Annually | Ensure proper drainage |
Surface cleaning | As needed | Maintain permeability |
Paver realignment | As needed | Prevent shifting and keep surfaces level |
This low-maintenance option pairs well with other stormwater management practices, especially for Maryland homeowners. Some municipalities even offer property tax incentives to reduce installation expenses [12]. When maintained properly, permeable pavers can save money in the long run by minimizing the need for extensive drainage systems and lowering flood risks.
For Maryland residents, Pro Landscapes MD (https://prolandscapesmd.com) offers expert advice and professional installation to ensure these solutions are tailored to local needs.
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4. Underground Storage Systems
Underground storage systems are a smart way to manage stormwater runoff without sacrificing yard space. Unlike surface solutions like rain gardens, bioswales, or permeable pavers, these systems work beneath the surface, storing water below ground.
Installation Process
The installation of underground storage systems involves several key steps:
- Planning Phase
Decide on the tank size, location, and materials. Once the plan is set, excavation begins, taking frost depth and backfill needs into account [14]. - Excavation and Preparation
Excavation is often the most labor-intensive and expensive part of the process. The site must be dug to the correct depth and width, with trenches added for connection lines. During this step, it’s critical to:- Account for frost lines in the depth calculation
- Ensure the width allows for proper backfill
- Minimize environmental disruption
- Form trenches precisely for connection lines [14]
- Tank Installation
Lay a level grade, add proper bedding, and position the tank carefully. Flexible piping is essential to reduce the risk of leaks, and ground access points should be included for maintenance [14].
Upkeep Costs
Once installed, maintaining an underground storage system is relatively simple. A study in Minnesota examined four systems and found that maintenance costs average $1.26 per cubic foot of water quality volume [15].
Maintenance Task | Average Annual Cost (per cubic foot) | Standard Deviation |
---|---|---|
Underground Infiltration | $1.26 | $2.16 |
Space Requirements
In June 2024, Titan Environmental emphasized several critical factors for a successful installation:
- Preparing the subgrade properly
- Choosing the right foundation and embedment stones
- Using suitable backfill materials
- Selecting appropriate geotextile fabrics [14]
When combined with other stormwater management practices, underground storage systems provide Maryland homeowners with a comprehensive solution. For installations that meet local regulations, Pro Landscapes MD offers expert services tailored to these needs.
BMP Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick comparison of key features for stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) suited for Maryland homes:
Feature | Rain Gardens | Bioswales | Permeable Pavers | Underground Storage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Space Requirements | At least 10 ft from buildings | Require large, linear areas | Fits into existing paved spaces | Minimal surface disruption |
Pollution Control | Natural biological filtration [16] | Channels runoff and filters pollutants [1] | Filters water through infiltration [16] | Stores runoff for controlled infiltration |
Maintenance Needs | Moderate – periodic weeding and sediment removal | Moderate – similar upkeep as rain gardens | Regular cleaning to prevent clogging [16] | Low maintenance overall |
Key Highlights
- Rain Gardens: Known for their natural filtration, these require a 25-ft setback from wells or septic systems.
- Bioswales: Great for efficiently channeling and filtering runoff in larger, linear spaces.
- Permeable Pavers: A practical choice for paved areas, offering cost-effective upkeep.
- Underground Storage: Ideal for saving surface space while managing runoff with minimal disruption.
To make these options even more enticing, local incentive programs may cover up to 50% of installation costs, with potential benefits reaching $3,500 [17]. Combine this chart with the detailed guides above to determine the best fit for your property.
For expert advice and professional installation, Pro Landscapes MD provides complete stormwater management services across central Maryland.
Choosing the Right BMP
Picking the right stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP) depends largely on the size and layout of your property. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Small Urban Lots (Under 1/4 Acre)
Rain gardens are a great fit for small spaces, especially when managing runoff from roofs or driveways. They’re efficient and don’t require much room to work effectively.
Medium Properties (1/4 to 1 Acre)
Permeable pavers are a smart choice for medium-sized properties. They allow water to seep into the ground while repaving driveways or walkways, particularly in areas prone to puddles. Plus, they’re durable, easy to maintain, and perfect for improving drainage.
Large Properties (Over 1 Acre)
For larger spaces, bioswales handle heavy runoff well. Placing them along property edges or slopes not only improves drainage but also adds visual appeal. They’re low-maintenance and highly effective.
If surface space is tight, underground storage systems are a versatile option for any property size. While the upfront costs are higher, they save space and manage runoff efficiently.
After assessing your property’s size and needs, it’s always a good idea to consult with professionals. For expert design and installation, reach out to Pro Landscapes MD.
FAQs
What are the benefits of using stormwater solutions like rain gardens and bioswales for homeowners in Maryland?
Using stormwater solutions like rain gardens and bioswales can bring a host of benefits to Maryland homeowners. These systems are designed to tackle stormwater runoff by filtering out pollutants, improving water quality, and reducing the likelihood of local flooding. On top of that, they help replenish groundwater supplies, which can cut down on irrigation needs and even lower your water bill.
But the perks don’t stop there. Rain gardens and bioswales also create inviting habitats for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife, boosting local biodiversity. Rain gardens, for instance, can filter as much as 90% of nutrients and chemicals from runoff. Meanwhile, bioswales slow down and absorb rainwater, making them a practical solution for sustainable water management. Beyond their environmental benefits, these features can enhance the look and functionality of your yard, blending beauty with purpose.
How can I choose the best stormwater solution for my property’s size and layout?
To pick the right stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP) for your property, start by considering a few key details: the size of your property, the slope of the land, the type of soil, and the current landscaping. If you’re working with a smaller space, micro-scale BMPs like rain gardens, permeable pavers, or rain barrels are great options. They manage runoff efficiently while taking up minimal space. For larger properties, you might want to explore bigger solutions, such as bioswales or large-scale infiltration systems.
Maryland’s climate and rainfall patterns are also crucial factors in choosing the best BMP. Referring to local resources, like the Maryland Stormwater Design Manual, can help you find solutions that are both effective and meet regulatory requirements. For the best results, consider working with stormwater management professionals who can offer personalized advice to match your property’s specific needs while optimizing environmental benefits.
Are there any financial incentives for Maryland homeowners to install stormwater BMPs, and how can they qualify?
Yes, homeowners in Maryland have access to several financial incentives aimed at encouraging the adoption of stormwater best management practices (BMPs). For example, Anne Arundel County offers a Stormwater Management Property Tax Credit, which allows homeowners to recover 10% of the costs for materials and installation of eligible projects. The credit is capped at $10,000 over a five-year period, and applications must be submitted within 45 days of completing the project.
In Prince George’s County, the Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program provides funding to support projects that improve water quality. This program is open to homeowners, nonprofits, and community organizations. Additionally, the Maryland Department of the Environment offers 319(h) Grants, which focus on reducing nonpoint source pollution. These grants often benefit homeowners indirectly through partnerships with nonprofits or local community initiatives.
To take advantage of these programs, homeowners should carefully review the requirements and deadlines for each incentive. Ensuring your project meets the necessary criteria is key to receiving financial support while implementing sustainable stormwater solutions for your property.
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