When it rains, water that falls on the roof collects in the rain gutter and flows on the lawn or pavement. When it rains a lot, water has not got time to infiltrate into the ground and runs of straight into a lake or other water body, or over the pavement, into swales or into the stormwater collection system.
Those stormwater collection systems drain directly to nearby surface water (lake, canal, pond, etc ). Many lakes are connected to canals that flow either to the Everglades, or to the ocean.
As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and in some cases, drinking water.
Know the Flow [PDF]
- A two-sided brochure/poster that describes the three levels of flood control – neighborhood, secondary and regional – and offers residents tips for checking/maintaining their neighborhood drainage system. Conozca el Sistema de Drenaje [PDF]
So, as you can see, what you do around the house can have significant impacts on the quality of water in the Everglades.
Yesterday & Today
Everglades the Problems
