When it comes to natural disasters, what most people fear are earthquakes, wildfires and other events that are widely discussed and warned about. On the other hand, something as simple as stormwater is rarely even mentioned, even though it can cause some serious problems for your property. This is particularly true if there are pollutants, which often involve chemical pollution, sediment pollution, organic pollution or litter. Either way, here are several tips and tricks to help you prevent stormwater from posing a serious threat to your property.
1. Problems of saturated soil and liquefaction
A soil that is oversaturated with water can become a risk hazard for several reasons. First of all, it loses strength and stiffness, which causes it to act like liquid or, even more accurately, a quicksand. Generally speaking, there are two major types of soil liquefaction – the standard soil liquefaction and cyclic mobility. Most commonly, this takes place after an earthquake and similar seismic events and the diluted soil that comes to existence as a result may become a major problem. The worst possible outcome, from the construction standpoint, is a landslide that might occur.
2. Spotting drainage problems
The best way to deal with the issue of saturated soil is to notice the problem early on. Signs of a drainage problem in the soil are water movement, standing water on the surface and browning leaf edges that suggest the same thing. Another thing you need to understand is the fact that waterlogged soil usually causes roots of nearby trees to decay, which is why vegetation needs to be closely inspected. Keep in mind that there are some soil types that increase the chance of moisture infiltration – sandy soils and clay soils are particularly to be feared.
3. Measures to prevent drainage problems
The first method that can be attempted in order to handle this issue is to engage in modified construction practices that are specially developed for this method. In Australia, the majority of property owners are handling this issue by looking for water accredited contractor in Sydney and consulting them about the task at hand. Breaking up the belowground soil known as hardpan is also a method that might work. Still, the most effective method that you should use is a regulated irrigation system that works based on the needs of your soil and not the time.
4. Erosion
Another thing that you need to consider is the erosion caused by the excessive presence of stormwater in the soil. Fortunately, there are several solutions to this particular problem. First, you can attempt to find a solution in the use of vegetation. Root system stabilizes the soil and having trees on your property may even make its value skyrocket. Other than this you can also go for geotextiles or add mulch to the top layer. What this does is soak up some of the water and, in this way, helps out with the erosion.
5. Rainwater collection system
One of the most innovative methods to handle this issue is to collect rainwater with an efficient rainwater harvesting system. Other than just saving your soil from being drowned in stormwater, this will also provide you with a relatively clean and completely free source of water (well, apart from the initial investment in a system). Second, this is water that you can use in your landscaping efforts and, due to the fact that it’s not chlorinated, it’s much better for the plants. The technology itself is simple to understand and the maintenance is both easy and inexpensive. In the case of an emergency, it provides one with a back-up source of water, which can be life-saving.
In conclusion
In the end, keep in mind that there are so many factors for you to consider and that there are some scenarios in which an optimal solution isn’t possible. However, whatever’s worth doing is also worth doing poorly, which is why you need to, at least, make an attempt to make things slightly better. Improving the drainage of your property, collecting rainwater, planting vegetation and being extra careful who you’re working when hiring a construction company are just some of the methods that you should consider. The more you know on this topic, the better your odds at making it will be.