A stormwater glossary is a compilation of terms related to the field of civil engineering that pertain to the management and control of stormwater. It is designed to provide a common language for professionals working in this field, as well as those who are interested in learning more about it. In this blog post, we will introduce you to some of the most important terms in the stormwater glossary. We hope that this will help you better understand the complex field of civil engineering and stormwater management.
Stormwater is water that originates from precipitation events and snowmelt. It includes rain, sleet, hail, and runoff from rivers, streams, and lakes. Stormwater can also pick up pollutants such as chemicals, oil, and sediment as it flows over the ground or through storm sewer systems.
A catch basin is a watertight structure that is used to collect stormwater runoff. It is typically located at the low point in a drainage system, and it is often equipped with a grate or other type of opening that allows water to enter while keeping debris out. Catch basins are an important part of stormwater management because they help to prevent flooding and protect water quality.
A dry well is a structure that is used to collect and store stormwater runoff. It is typically located underground, and it is often lined with gravel or other materials to help promote drainage. Dry wells are an important part of stormwater management because they help to prevent flooding and protect water quality.
Infiltration is the process by which stormwater runoff seeps into the ground. This can happen naturally, or it can be enhanced through the use of infiltration devices such as dry wells, rain gardens, and permeable pavement.
Pervious pavement is a type of pavement that allows stormwater to infiltrate into the ground. It is typically made of concrete or asphalt that has been specially designed to allow water to pass through it. Pervious pavement is an important part of stormwater management because it helps to reduce runoff and protect water quality.
A rain garden is a type of garden that is designed to collect and store stormwater runoff. It is often planted with native plants that are tolerant of wet conditions, and it can be used to help infiltration and reduce flooding. Rain gardens are an important part of stormwater management because they help to protect water quality.
A storm sewer is a type of sewer that is used to collect and transport stormwater runoff. It is often equipped with catch basins, dry wells, or other devices to help manage runoff. Storm sewers are an important part of stormwater management because they help to prevent flooding and protect water quality.
A watershed is an area of land that drains to a common body of water. It is often delineated by topographical features such as rivers, streams, and lakes. Watersheds are an important part of stormwater management because they help to protect water quality.
The largest watershed is the Mississippi River watershed, which covers an area of more than 1.2 million square miles, bounded by the Appalachian Mountains on the east and the Rocky Mountains on the west.. The smallest watershed is the Tualatin River watershed, which covers an area of just over 200 square miles.
A 2 year storm is a storm of a particular magnitude that has a chance of occurring once every two years. This is typically used as a design criterion for stormwater management systems. A number of periods can be used, but the larger the period, the greater the magnitude of the storm. For example, a 500 year flood creates water depths of 20 feet or more.
Accessory impervious surfaces are small areas of impervious surface that are not the primary source of stormwater runoff. They can include driveway aprons, patios, and walkways. While they may not contribute a large amount of runoff, they can still have an impact on water quality.
Best management practices (BMPs) are actions or activities that are taken to protect water quality. They can include things like using low-impact development techniques, planting vegetation, and using infiltration devices. BMPs are an important part of stormwater management because they help to reduce runoff and protect water quality.
Bioretention is a type of stormwater management practice that uses vegetation and soils to filter and store stormwater runoff. It can be used to treat both runoff from impervious surfaces and from pervious surfaces. Bioretention is an important part of stormwater management because it helps to reduce runoff and protect water quality.
Canopy interception is the process by which trees and other vegetation intercept and store rainfall. This reduces the amount of runoff that occurs, and can help to protect water quality. Canopy interception is an important part of stormwater management because it helps to reduce runoff and protect water quality.
Hydromodification is the alteration of a water body by humans. It can include things like channelization, dam construction, and dredging. Hydromodification can have a negative impact on water quality, so it is important to consider its effects when planning stormwater management strategies.
An illicit discharge is any discharge that is not composed of stormwater. It can include things like sewage, automotive fluids, and pesticides. Illicit discharges can have a negative impact on water quality, so it is important to prevent them from entering the stormwater system.
Stormwater hot spots are areas where there is a high potential for water pollution. They can be caused by things like illicit discharges, hydromodification, and poorly functioning stormwater management systems. Stormwater hot spots are an important consideration when planning stormwater management strategies.
While stormwater management is important for protecting water quality, it is also important to consider the potential for water pollution in areas where there is a high potential for it. Stormwater hot spots are one such area, and they can be caused by things like illicit discharges, hydromodification, and poorly functioning stormwater management systems. When planning stormwater management strategies, it is important to take into account the potential for water pollution in these areas.