Tag Archive: stormwater management

Stormwater Harvesting Cistern – Salt Lake City, Utah

Stormwater Harvesting Cistern - Salt Lake City, Utah

Stormwater harvesting systems are designed to collect, store, and reuse rainwater runoff from surfaces like rooftops, roads, and open spaces. These systems help mitigate urban flooding, reduce soil erosion, and replenish groundwater levels. By capturing rainwater before it enters storm drains, they also help decrease the strain on municipal drainage infrastructure, lowering the risk of waterlogging and contamination of natural water bodies.

There are several methods of stormwater harvesting, including rainwater tanks, underground storage reservoirs, permeable pavements, and bio-retention basins. These systems filter out debris and pollutants, making the harvested water suitable for non-potable uses such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and industrial cooling. Advanced systems may incorporate filtration and treatment technologies to enhance water quality, making it safe for potable use in some cases.

The benefits of stormwater harvesting extend beyond water conservation. It promotes sustainable urban development, reduces dependence on traditional water sources, and contributes to climate resilience by managing extreme rainfall events. Additionally, it supports green infrastructure initiatives by integrating with urban landscaping, creating aesthetic and eco-friendly environments. As water scarcity becomes a growing global concern, stormwater harvesting presents an effective and environmentally responsible solution for sustainable water management.

A Bioswale and Rain Garden with Storm Drain – Utah

A Bioswale and Rain Garden with Storm Drain - Utah

A bioswale and rain garden system located along a housing development in West Jordan, a suburb of Salt Lake City in northern Utah, part of the urban corridor known as the Wasatch Front.

A storm drain integrated within a bioswale and rain garden is a hybrid stormwater management system designed to handle excess runoff while enhancing filtration and environmental benefits. In such a setup, the bioswale and rain garden are the primary features for capturing, slowing, and filtering stormwater from nearby impervious surfaces. They are designed with vegetation, permeable soil, and sometimes rock channels to allow water to percolate naturally into the ground.

The storm drain serves as a secondary or overflow mechanism within this system. When heavy rains or extreme runoff exceed the capacity of the bioswale and rain garden, the excess water is directed into the storm drain to prevent flooding. The storm drain is strategically placed, often at the lowest point of the bioswale or rain garden, to capture overflow only when necessary. This combined approach not only reduces the burden on traditional stormwater infrastructure but also improves water quality and reduces localized flooding by using natural filtration as the first line of defense.

Such systems are commonly found in urban or suburban settings where sustainable green infrastructure is prioritized, blending engineered solutions with natural processes for maximum efficiency and ecological benefit.

A Bioswale and Rain Garden with Storm Drain in West Jordan, Utah

A Bioswale and Rain Garden with Storm Drain in West Jordan, Utah

A bioswale and rain garden system located along a housing development in West Jordan, a suburb of Salt Lake City in northern Utah, part of the urban corridor known as the Wasatch Front.

A storm drain integrated within a bioswale and rain garden is a hybrid stormwater management system designed to handle excess runoff while enhancing filtration and environmental benefits. In such a setup, the bioswale and rain garden are the primary features for capturing, slowing, and filtering stormwater from nearby impervious surfaces. They are designed with vegetation, permeable soil, and sometimes rock channels to allow water to percolate naturally into the ground.

The storm drain serves as a secondary or overflow mechanism within this system. When heavy rains or extreme runoff exceed the capacity of the bioswale and rain garden, the excess water is directed into the storm drain to prevent flooding. The storm drain is strategically placed, often at the lowest point of the bioswale or rain garden, to capture overflow only when necessary. This combined approach not only reduces the burden on traditional stormwater infrastructure but also improves water quality and reduces localized flooding by using natural filtration as the first line of defense.

Such systems are commonly found in urban or suburban settings where sustainable green infrastructure is prioritized, blending engineered solutions with natural processes for maximum efficiency and ecological benefit.