If your property has a tendency to flood you can help reduce the chances of flooding by building an infrastructure that’s designed to capture or to absorb rainwater to help protect your structures. Here are two practical solutions to consider to help safeguard your home, as well as your entire property.
Cisterns and Rain Barrels
Both cisterns and rain barrels capture and store stormwater runoff from rooftops. Cisterns, the larger of the two structures, can store runoff from large roof areas, and they can be buried. Rain barrels perform the same function, but they sit above ground. In addition to the management of stormwater, both structures save water that can be reused for irrigation and other non-potable purposes.
While rain barrels usually hold about 50 gallons of water, cisterns can hold a much larger volume— between hundreds to thousands of gallons of water. Rain barrels are significantly less expensive than cisterns and typically cost between $90 and $140, while cisterns can cost up to $1,000. Some jurisdictions offer rebate programs for the use of cisterns and rain barrels. You can check your local government site to see if you qualify.
Permeable Pavement
Also referred to as pervious pavement, permeable pavement is a material that is highly porous and allows rainwater to pass through it, which reduces runoff. A reduction in runoff helps to manage stormwater and lessen the risk of a flood. You can use permeable pavement for a road on your property, a driveway, sidewalk, patio, or swimming pool deck. The cost of permeable pavement can range from $5 to $10 per square foot, depending on the type of material you use. Your pavement can be constructed to hold from 5 to 19 gallons of rainwater per minute.
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