What is stormwater?

Stormwater comes in the form of rain and snow and is vital for the health of our plants and ecosystem. Our region is predicted to have increasing precipitation through more frequent and more intense storm events.

What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is what happens when rain or snowmelt flows over the ground instead of soaking in- it is essentially wasted water that can cause hazardous conditions and decrease property value. This runoff is not available for plant use and does not recharge our groundwater, potentially leading to worsened drought conditions between storms.

So why is stormwater runoff happening?

Stormwater runoff is a concern in areas of developed land where the water can’t soak into the ground- like parking lots, on the rooftops of buildings, sidewalks, and roads. When land is developed, the natural landscape is replaced with impervious surfaces which prevent water from soaking into the ground. Our Charlottesville region is experiencing population growth and development, which means more impervious surfaces and more stormwater runoff.

What’s the big deal?

Runoff can carry sediment, chemicals, hazardous materials, and litter into our streams and rivers, harming wildlife and negatively impacting water quality.

What can you do to help?

  • Trees!

Perhaps the easiest way to manage stormwater is to plant new trees and protect the trees that we already have! Healthy trees and native plants will help drink up the rain. Removing invasive species can help keep our trees from being smothered and overwhelmed, enabling them to thrive, grow bigger, and live longer. If you would like more information about removing invasive species, click here to learn more!

  • Divert your downspouts

Diverting your downspouts away from your house and paved areas. Trees, lawn, and gardens can absorb more water than impervious surfaces.

  • Rain gardens

Rain gardens are specially constructed gardens designed to collect stormwater runoff and filter pollutants before they reach the Rivanna River. Rain gardens can naturally catch, filter, and contain water away from your house and paved areas. Plan this area with appropriate drainage, plant native plants, and enjoy the natural habitat that you have created for wildlife- maybe you will even entice some frogs into your yard. Here are two video tutorials on rain barrels if you would like to learn more:

  • Rain barrels

Rain barrels can be connected to your gutter downspouts, saving rain that can be used for watering your garden in drier times. These collect the rain from your roof and can be used in a gravity fed system for landscaping uses or even to wash your car.

Want to learn more?

  • The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program can help you determine what stormwater management resources are best for your property. Explore eligibility criteria to determine if you can receive financial assistance on your project!
  • The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay offers an overview of stormwater and helpful solutions for homeowners. This is a great place to get started before moving into more technical resources
  • The Virginia Department of Forestry provides more resources rain garden design and implementation for landowners

Rivanna Conservation Alliance is a partner in the Rivanna Stormwater Education Partnership.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us directly at info@rivannariver.org.