Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Stormwater best management practices (BMPs) are landscape tools aimed to mimic the natural

hydrology of an area, allowing water to soak into the soil and as much as possible not run off.  The

design of these BMPs is site-specific and most are intended to be small scale projects that can be easily

incorporated into anew or existing yard, parking lot or landscape.  Below is a partial list of stormwater

BMPs that are appropriate for the Dickinson Bayou watershed and the Texas Gulf Coast. 

Stormwater Wetlands

Stormwater wetlands clean water much the same way as natural wetlands.  Wetland plants filter water

as it passes through the marsh, and the chemical and biological processes unique to wetlands render

many pollutants harmless, making the water exiting the wetland much cleaner than when it entered.

Engineers and biologists have found ways to design stormwater treatment wetlands into our stormwater

detention and conveyance systems.  These treatment wetlands are one of the very best options we

have for cleaning polluted runoff. 

WaterSmart Landscapes

These landscapes are planted with native and adapted non-invasive plants. These plants are well suited

to our climate and soil conditions; therefore, they require less watering once they are established and

do not need chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides to thrive. WaterSmart landscapes can result in

a 90% reduction in the amount of polluted runoff entering the storm drain system and an equal

reduction in the volume of water used for irrigation. As an added feature, native plants attract wildlife

such as birds and butterflies to our landscapes.

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens offer a landscaping technique that can be applied to a variety of situations whether it is a

commercial, public or residential setting. They are designed to capture runoff from impervious surfaces

such as compacted lawns, roofs, sidewalks, streets or parking lots. The water is allowed to slow down,

become filtered, and is absorbed into the soil, recharging ground water. The design is typically a bowl

shaped garden, excavated slightly, and the soil amended with sharp sand and compost. Water is

directed from a surface, like a roof, and pools for a short time. Any excess runoff enters the storm

drain system, but is cleaned of 80% of contaminates. Because rain gardens are composed of native

plants, they also attract wildlife such as birds and butterflies, providing a beautiful and functional

addition to any landscape.

Rain Water Harvesting

Water can be collected from roofs or hard surfaces (i.e. driveways or parking lots) and stored in small

rain barrels or larger cisterns.  This non-potable water can be used to water plants and wash cars.

Collecting water from hard surfaces keeps it from running into storm drains; by saving this water and

distributing it during dryer times, it allows the water to soak into the soil and benefit from natural

filtration before entering Dickinson Bayou.

Bioswales

These open, vegetated drainage ways have gradual slopes and collect and slowly move water

downstream giving it a chance to soak into the ground before reaching the bayou.  These can replace

curb and gutter systems and are especially useful along road ways and parking lots.  Swales can be

planted with grass and maintained by mowing, or planted with low growing native wetland vegetation

that can withstand both periods of moisture and drought and will not impede flow during large rain

storms. 

Pet Waste Management

This non-structural BMP addresses one of many sources of water pollution and is something most of

us can easily address as we go about our daily routine.  Rain water washes poop left on the ground

into our storm drains which connect to creeks and bayous where the poo decomposes.  During

decomposition, this waste uses up precious oxygen need by fish and other creatures to stay alive

and healthy.  There is one way to manage pet waste.  Pick it up!