Stormwater management is a specialized area of engineering that is necessary for any new development project. Stormwater is the runoff created during any precipitation event. These water flows can cause problems for terrain and water quality.
Protects Water Quality
The most crucial reason for stormwater management is to protect water quality. Runoff from rains can collect sediment, chemicals and pollutants and deposit them into bodies of water used to supply drinking water. These bodies of water also support marine life that must be protected. A management system will seek to capture any runoff before it makes its way into the bodies of water. During property development, many pollutants are present in the terrain, making the stormwater particularly toxic.
Reduces the Spread of Bacteria and Disease
Runoff from precipitation events also carries bacteria and viruses through the water streams to new locations. These can be dangerous for any end users of the water sources. Stormwater management by capture, filtration or another method can reduce the spread of disease.
Prevents Destructive Erosion
Stormwater management is also essential to help prevent unwanted erosion of natural watersheds. Erosion of banks and drains can worsen the pollution effect of stormwater as the buffer between the runoff and body of water gets reduced.