Stormwater

Over the last few weeks, we have seen a fair amount of precipitation.

That precipitation has resulted in stormwater that has impacted our community. Stormwater is the water that flows across the surfaces of streets, lawns, rooftops, etc. after a rain and picks up pollutants such as sediment and nutrients. Stormwater can also be standing water that does not soak into the ground in a reasonable timeframe.

There are a few different things that can cause stormwater to become standing water. One way is back-to-back rain falling on soil that is already saturated. There could also be sediment that has built up in a swale preventing the water from being absorbed. Poor soil health, compaction, a high-water table, or very high clay content soil can cause standing water. Damage to downspouts, guttering, or drainage tile can also cause standing water.

If you have excess stormwater following a rainstorm, you may want to investigate ways to correct the issue. Some potential solutions include utilizing pervious pavement, building a raingarden, or obtaining a rain barrel.

Pervious pavement is a special type of pavement that lets water pass through it and soak into the ground below it. Essentially it has tiny gaps or pores that allow rainwater to seep through the surface, be filtered through the stone base underneath, and be soaked into the soil. Examples include pervious concrete, porous asphalt, and permeable pavers that can be used for porches, driveways, and other areas of a landscape.

A rain garden is constructed as a shallow depression to hold and infiltrate water from rooftops via downspouts, driveways or other impervious surfaces. The size and depth of a rain garden varies and depends on the area of the impervious surface feeding into it. It should be planted with native or well adapted plants that can tolerate both wet and dry conditions. They are designed to hold water and slowly allow it to infiltrate the soil within a 24-to-48-hour period. 

Individuals can redirect a downspout to pour the water that lands on their roof into a rain barrel. We do recommend that you utilize a rain barrel that has a filter that prevents debris such as leaves, sticks, and insects from getting into it. The barrel should also have a hose connector that you can attach a hose to. The water you collect in the rain barrel can be used to water landscape plants throughout the summer.

As you look around your property, observe where the water flows and stands following a rainstorm. Try to look for ways that you can prevent the water from flowing away from your property. By taking steps to prevent the water from flowing away, you prevent sediment and nutrients from leaving your property and impacting our environment in negative ways such as algae blooms in ponds and lakes and poor water quality for fish. 

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events:           

April 16 – Indiana Quality Assurance (IQA), North Putnam, 3:30 pm. Register at: https://PutnamIQA04-16-25.4honline.com

April 17 – Junior Leader Meeting, fairgrounds, 7:00 pm

April 23 – Exploring 4-H, fairgrounds, 6:00 pm

April 26 – Middle School Night Out, fairgrounds, 4-9 pm. Register at: https://2025middleschoolnightout.4honline.com

May 3 – Plant Auction, viewing 9:15 am, auction starts 10:00 am, Goat Barn @ Putnam County Fairgrounds

May 3 – Animal ID Day for sheep & goats, fairgrounds, 8-10:30 am

May 6 – Amazing Spiders, 7 pm, Putnam County Fairgrounds