Integrated Water Strategies — Water Recycling

Stormwater refers to the precipitation and surface water runoff that does not infiltrate the ground and flows into drains where it usually routed directly into lakes, rivers and streams. Sources of Stormwater include:

• Precipitation rainfall, snowfall and snowmelt
• Floodwater
• Lawn irrigation runoff
• Surface water flowing from urban and rural sources (car washing, etc.)

Designed Ecosystems for stormwater management systems provide structural mitigation and stormwater re-use. Structural methods include ponds, reservoirs, stormwater wetlands, sand filters, grassy swales, and rain gardens. These systems disrupt the stormwater flow and allow for infiltration and/or retention of the water.

Stormwater recycling systems filter rainwater and sometimes other sources of stormwater so that it is available for re-use. This is often refered to as ‘rainwater harvesting.’ Endless reuse options exist for stormwater, including irrigation, non-potable household use, and water features such as fountains and ponds