Stormwater Benefits

Dealing with stormwater runoff in our area can be challenging due to the variation in soil types. This variation creates problems when using swales for dealing with water quality because they require a specific soil percolation and depth to bedrock to be effective. It is no secret that Moran Prairie on the South Hill and Five Mile Prairie on the North side of Spokane have had their share of serious challenges dealing with stormwater. Incorporating existing green infrastructure could help to eliminate runoff in new developments! Click on the picture below to view a good visual of the difference between urban hydrology and natural hydrology and the dramatic difference that occurs from removing trees:

"Relationship between impervious cover and surface runoff. Impervious cover in a watershed results in increased surface runoff. As little as 10 percent impervious cover in a watershed can result in stream degradation. Fig. 3.21 In Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes, and Practices (10/98). By the Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group (FISRWG)(15 Federal agencies of the U.S.)" (Online Source)

For more information contact Kat Hall at khall@landscouncil.org or 509-209-2403.