Stormwater runoff is something that occurs naturally. If we did not have stormwater runoff we would not have lakes or streams. There are, however, problems with stormwater runoff in urban areas, and this happens because we have more water in a concentrated area than would have occurred naturally. Our area’s excessive concentration is due to the many impervious surfaces we have in the Hill Farms neighborhood. We have roofs, driveways and streets that prevent the water from naturally seeping into the ground. If we are to reduce the runoff water it is up to us (as homeowners) to make a difference.

We need to focus on allowing as little water as possible to reach the street. Once the runoff is in the street it is stormwater and that will impact downstream areas. Currently there is not much we can do about stormwater in our driveways, but we can change driveway runoff in the future. As driveways are replaced or rebuilt they can use pervious concrete or porous blocks, which permits water infiltration, thus reducing or eliminating driveway runoff.

The stormwater from our roofs is another matter. We are not proposing homeowners allow their roofs leak to stop runoff. We are, however, proposing homeowners divert roof runoffs so it has the maximum opportunity to infiltrate on your lawn. Direct your downspouts so the water would flow over as much lawn as possible before it would drain off you property. Better yet, build a rain garden to further help contain and infiltrate your stormwater. If you are planning a home expansion include a provision in your proposal to contain on-site the additional stormwater generated by your expanded roof.

Remember, most of us live on the hill so we are not directly affected by stormwater runoff, but other properties downstream including Lake Mendota are affected by our actions.

For more information see:

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/greatlakes/priorities/sustainable.html.

5/07