Building a Better Community, One Raindrop at a Time

Written by Amber Ellis - part of the NCSU’s Stormwater Engineering Research Group

I’m a stormwater engineer, and, like most engineers, many folks think of my line of work only when something malfunctions - most commonly, when they are dealing with a soggy yard or other nuisances. Still, pluvial flooding can seriously threaten people and property, while pollution can jeopardize the ecology and safe use of our waterways. However, on most days, stormwater isn’t on people’s minds.

Stormwater entering a drainage grate transporting sediment and nutrients

Similarly, when my coworkers cross the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge on their way to work, there’s no need for them to think of the time structural engineers spend on calculating factors of safety. When I text a family member, I never consider the electrical engineers who make my tiny pocket computer possible. Even when I do stop to appreciate the workmanship that makes modern life possible, there’s not much I can offer in terms of bridge building or circuit design beyond admiration. One of my favorite aspects of stormwater, however, is that it offers a unique opportunity for almost anyone to partner in addressing the problems engineers seek to help solve. We can work together to build and improve our community. All you need is a little background knowledge.

With expanding urbanization, landscapes transition from natural, permeable surfaces to constructed, less-permeable ones. For example, lands that were once forests or meadows may now be neighborhoods, shopping centers, or schools.

When it rains, precipitation that would have previously infiltrated into the soil is redirected by these new roads, rooftops, and other urban infrastructure as runoff.

Not only does this runoff increase the risk of local flooding, but it also transports various pollutants such as sediment, nutrients, and pathogens into receiving waterways and bodies. This has far-reaching impacts, including habitat destruction and human drinking water hazards.

Large stormwater wetland at Wade Park treating an entire neighborhood

Stormwater control measures (SCMs) are engineered systems such as ponds or wetlands that are designed to mitigate the impacts of stormwater runoff. Stormwater engineers help design these systems to treat large parcels such as entire neighborhoods or commercial developments. While these systems provide crucial and necessary treatment, they aren’t our only tool to address the issue.

Household rain barrel that can help mitigate stormwater on your property

Individual homeowners, residents, and community groups can also tackle the problem at the source. Small-scale rain gardens and rain barrels can keep water on the property, intercepting it before it accumulates pollutants or raises creek levels. Even an act as small as picking up your pet waste can have drastic effects on reducing the pollutant loads of our local waterways. So, while you won’t be designing ponds anytime soon, the next time it rains, see if you can notice where the water is headed and if there’s anything you can do to help.

Amber Ellis is a part of NCSU’s Stormwater Engineering Research Group, with an office at the N.C. Cooperative Extension - New Hanover County Center and Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive. Reach her at adellis3@ncsu.edu or 910-798-7660. The Arboretum grounds are free and open daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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