Today, many consumers are becoming more conscious about the environment. Many refuse to buy products that have non-biodegradable packaging; many opt to use their bicycle than their car; also, many refuse to print documents unless really needed. If you want to please your consumers, you must get into the pro-environment trend as well. One way of doing this is by getting into storm water best management practices.Storm water best management refers to the different methods of controlling the amount and quality of storm water. Scientists have tested storm water and have found out that it contains pollutants harmful to aquatic life. The only way to separate these two is through by using special storm water systems.
There are three types of storm water systems based on function, which are retention, detention and natural sedimentation. As a businessman, it is your responsibility to figure out which type or combination of types is needed by the community you are in.
Retention
Storm water systems that specialize in retention are designed to collect polluted storm water. This equipment is used to reduce the amount of pollutants mixed with the storm water. Retention storm water systems are helpful if you live in an area that needs an alternate water source for cleaning and irrigation. However, water from these systems is not suitable for bathing, cooking and drinking. An example of a retention storm water system is a rain garden.
Detention
The main difference between a detention and retention storm water system is the amount of time it holds water. Detention storm water systems hold storm water until the soil absorbs it. The soil prevents storm water from entering bodies of water. This kind of storm water system is perfect for areas that have rich vegetation. However, people should think twice when eating fruits or vegetables planted near detention storm water systems. Remember that when plants absorb pollutants, these harmful elements never leave the plant. Examples of detention storm water systems are trenches, basins and wet detention.
Natural Sedimentation
This is probably the best storm water best management practices when it comes to separating water from pollutants. It makes pollutants settle at the bottom of the holding water container before it releases the storm water to bodies of water. Examples of these are permeated pavements, swales and green roofs.
