What happens when land is changed from forests and fields to roads and buildings?

For many Pike County homeowners, this continued development means constant storm water-related problems including:

• Washed-out lawns and driveways
• Flooded basements
• Damaged septic systems
• Damage to public and private roads
• Reduced property values
• Conflicts between neighbors
• Polluted swimming areas
• Polluted drinking water
• Stormwater is simply water from rainfall or snowmelt that travels across land. Stormwater runoff demonstrates the direct link between how people live on the land and how our actions affect our natural resources.

Here’s What You Can Do

 There are many ways that homeowners can reduce stormwater runoff from their properties:

• Minimize impervious surfaces: sidewalks, driveways, patios, etc., by using mulch or stone pavers for these areas.
• Plant native plants: wherever possible, in place of lawn areas to better absorb heavy rainfalls.
• Do not remove trees and other plants next to streams, lakes and wetlands.
• Direct rain gutters onto lawn or garden areas: where more water can seep back into the ground.
• Construct rain gardens and use rain barrels: to collect and recycle rooftop water runoff.
• Ask local officials to adopt stormwater ordinances to manage runoff from new development.