Capture Runoff

Storm water runoff has dramatically increased in the last 20 years, and it is now 80% of the total volume of pollution entering our watersheds and ocean. The incredible volume of runoff has had an incredible effect. Red-tides have increased tenfold; at least 14,000 dolphins, sea lions, and seals have washed up long our coast; and respiratory related ailments with ocean swimmers have jumped 54%.

Natural processes once stopped, slowed and cleaned runoff. While a majority of those processes have been paved or channeled, their lessons persist. We can employ those lessons and create Ocean Friendly gardens by stopping, slowing and cleaning runoff in our landscapes.

Not everybody can or should try to capture rainwater runoff on their property (see below for criteria). But most properties can capture and clean that deadly first-flush. After six or more months without rain, the runoff from the first rain is exceptionally toxic, loaded with ammonium and nitrate. The firstflush is okay for the plants in a garden, but lethal for an ocean.

Capturing rain water from the roof and driveway requires retention areas, which are small to large depressions that allow the water to sit and infiltrate. These devices can be inexpensively installed, $500 to $1,500. The illustration above shows the relative simplicity