Flooding in yards and basements during heavy rainstorms is a major problem on the North Shore. It is an issue that many of the local villages are are struggling to address with long term solutions. Fortunately, there are steps that we can take as homeowners to decrease the possibility of backyard and basement flooding. One tool to reduce flooding is to use rain barrels to capture water for use in your garden or elsewhere.
One inch of rain can equal 600 gallons of water. When this rain is captured in a rain barrel it reduces run off and saves water. Rain barrels should be raised as they use gravity to dispense water. You can connect them to a soaker hose so they can slowly and efficiently water your plants or vegetable garden. Another important method to reduce backyard flooding is to plant a rain garden so that the plant roots soak up rain water reducing or preventing run off.
The key to a successful rain garden is using native perennial plants with very deep root systems. An added advantage to building a rain garden with native plants is that it also provides the proper habitat for our local birds, insects and butterflies. Excellent information on building a rain garden can be found here.
Finally, when it’s possible use permeable pavers instead of asphalt or concrete for driveways, patios and walkways. This will increase the pervious area of your yard, decreasing the amount of water runoff. Implementing any or all of these steps should help to prevent or decrease the flooding in your yard. For more great water tips, visit What Can you Do: Water.
