Conservation and Low Impact Development
Low-impact development (LID) is a land management and planning strategy that encourages on-site water conservation to capture and treat stormwater and reduce water use. “LID is a planning or design approach to development intended to reduce runoff by enhancing infiltration, thereby retaining or restoring natural hydrological characteristics” (USGS, Zarriello 2010).
Most backyards and open spaces are suitable for LID designs- site planning and sustainable maintenance methods are key to capturing rainfall and reducing outdoor water demands. Planting design and site placement are two key aspects in making a low-impact development both functional and appealing to homeowners.
Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water. There are many approaches to reducing water use. For example, see the Ipswich River case study here.
Outdoor water use accounts for up to 50% of water consumed by an average household, but with a few changes property owners can reduce or eliminate external water use and save money doing it. For example:
Most backyards and open spaces are suitable for LID designs- site planning and sustainable maintenance methods are key to capturing rainfall and reducing outdoor water demands. Planting design and site placement are two key aspects in making a low-impact development both functional and appealing to homeowners.
Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water. There are many approaches to reducing water use. For example, see the Ipswich River case study here.
Outdoor water use accounts for up to 50% of water consumed by an average household, but with a few changes property owners can reduce or eliminate external water use and save money doing it. For example:
- Water your lawn at dawn or dusk, when more water soaks in than if you water in the hottest parts of the day.
- Plant native flowers and shrubs in your garden and seed your lawn with drought tolerant turf grass.
- Retain moisture in your lawn and garden by using compost in new soil and mulching around your plants.
- Install rain water barrels under the roof gutter drains and use this rain water to water your plants.
- Reduce lawn size- less lawn means less watering and less mowing. Install other garden beds or trees in its place.
- Adjust your mower to a higher setting leave grass clippings and chopped-up fall leaves on the lawn to increase soil organic material.
- Transform part of your lawn into a meadow, which will also serve as beneficial wildlife habitat.
- Use porous hardscapes on paths and patios to allow rain water to pass into the soil.
- Water lawn less to increase plants’ tolerance to drought.
- Make a rain garden to hold more water on the site.
Poster File
| 2016.06.30_posters.pdf |
Brochure File
| 2016.07.22_brochure_with_bookmark__final_.pdf |
Bookmark File
| 2016.07.22_bookmark.pdf |
