Stormwater impacts on water quality and quantity

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In developed areas  surface runoff is traditionally conveyed directly into receiving water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, streams or the ocean. Water is collected from roads, roofs and other impermeable surfaces and transported though stormwater infrastructure such as drains, pipes, culverts and other water carrying systems. The stormwater carries trash, sediment, bacteria, heavy metals and other pollutants from the landscape, degrading the quality of the receiving waters. Higher flows can also cause erosion and flooding in streams, damaging habitat, property and infrastructure.

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Combined sewer systems

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Many of our municipal sewage systems in  in the Annapolis watershed use combined sewage and stormwater collection. Combined sewer systems collect sewage from houses, businesses, etc. as well as surface runoff. During high intensity precipitation or snowmelt events the amount of stormwater collected by these combined systems can  exceed the capacity of the sewage treatment plant they are connected to, resulting in untreated sewage waste overflowing into receiving waters. 

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In summary...

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In summary, stormwater impacts water quality and quantity by:

• transporting pollution (e.g., sediment, nutrients, debris, household hazardous wastes) directly or indirectly via storm sewer systems into rivers, lakes and streams;

• eroding shorelines, by increasing the volume and velocity of runoff entering receiving water bodies;

• flooding basements and/or on property;

• warming up surface water, making it more susceptible to waterborne bacteria and hazardous to fragile aquatic life;

• overflowing sewage treatment facilities, allowing untreated human waste to flow directly into receiving water bodies.

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(Source: Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation)

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What are we doing?  2019-2020 project activities

 

(1) Managing water at home: FREE household stormwater management & water conservation home assessment program

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CARP and BCAF are recruiting homeowners to participate in a home assessment program that will identify actions to improve the management and use of freshwater on their properties. Assessments will focus on water consumption and stormwater runoff issues in order to identify conservation and management options.

 

During initial visits, home assessors will work with homeowners and residents to conduct a review of:

• Current household water use practices

• Current fixtures (eg. low flow toilets, faucets)

• Current use of water conservation devices or practices

• Recent water bills & water consumption rates

• Current stormwater management practices (gutters, rain barrels)

• Existing stormwater related issues (eg. flooding)

• Amount of hard surface (eg. roofs, paving) to determine surface water flow during rain events

 

This information will be used to create a property specific report that outlines recommendations and establishes an action plan that can be implemented by residents in order manage issues with stormwater (eg. flooding) or to support water conservation.

 

The home assessment program is open to residents of Kings, Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, Shelburne, Lunenburg and Queens Counties. Contact our project leader, Samantha, for more information or to register. 

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(2) Public workshop and seminars

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CARP and BCAF hosted a series of free public seminars and workshops focusing on anticipated climate change impacts on water quality and quantity in Southwest Nova Scotia and actions that individuals can take to mitigate these impacts. 

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(3) Working with small businesses to implement water conservation practices

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We partnered with local businesses to install large rainwater collection systems (1000L). Partners included Bunchberry Nursery, Ragged Robin Farm and Nursery, and Summerland Nursery. Visit them if you want to find design ideas for your own home.  

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Download our rain barrel building instructions here. 

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Educational Resource Materials: Managing Water in Response to a Changing Climate in Southwest Nova Scotia

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Past work: Soaking Up Stormwater

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The Soaking up Stormwater project supported the creation of a number of public demonstration sites utilizing low impact design (LID) stormwater management techniques (e.g., rain gardens, bioswales, etc.).  The project allowed CARP and BCAF to establish working relationships with   Municipal partners on the implementation of strategies to slow down the stormwater, spread it out into or over pervious surfaces, and sink it back into the ground as opposed to more costly infrastructure projects.

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Rain garden and low impact design (LID) demonstration sites

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A rain garden is a planted depression or a hole that allows rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas, like roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots, and compacted lawn areas, the opportunity to be absorbed. This reduces rain runoff by allowing stormwater to soak into the ground (as opposed to flowing into storm drains and surface waters 

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A complex of 6 rain gardens was created at the "Hospital Hill" site in Digby. A dry swale and raised bed were also constructed at this site. These gardens are incorporated into a larger initiative to develop the site into a public green-space. 

 

CARP partnered with NSCC Middleton to construct 2 rain gardens and a dry creek bed to channel surface water. Additional work is planned for this site in 2019. 

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