Adams
County Soil & Water Conservation District 338 South 36th Street
Quincy, IL 62301
Phone: 217/224-9305, Ext. 3 E-mail:
janet.beckman@il.nacdnet.net Fax: 217/224-4969
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Best Management Practices in Urban Areas Protecting Water Quality
Examples of Best Management Practices clockwise from top left: A rock check dam to keep soil from leaving construction site; a rock-lined channel to keep soil from eroding; an example of permeable paving, which allows water to soak into the ground; a comparison of a new lawn left bare and mulched; a silt fence constructed to keep sediment from leaving the construction site & polluting water supplies
INTRODUCTION In urban and suburban areas, much of the land surface is impervious – meaning that it is covered with roofs, concrete and asphalt that does not allow water to soak into the soil. Instead, most water is carried by storm drains that outlet into nearby streams or rivers. This runoff water can carry many pollutants such as sediment from soil erosion, fertilizers and pesticides, and oil. Some potential pollutants come from new developments and some come from existing homes and businesses. Using Best Management Practices can reduce pollutants and excessive runoff as well as improve your property. Index Best Management Practices Used Before & During Construction Compost Blankets & Mulch Best Management Practices Used After Construction Native Landscaping Native Plant Species |
