Slow it. Spread it. Sink it! AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE
Practical and Eco-Friendly Ways to Protect Your Property and the Environment from the Effects of Rainwater Runoff
Slow it. Spread it. Sink it! An Okanagan Homeowner’s Guide to Using Rain as a Resource Practical and Eco-Friendly Ways to Protect Your Property and the Environment from the Effects of Rainwater Runoff
Second Edition February 2021
Prepared by: Okanagan Basin Water Board
Adapted with permission from: Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County and Sonoma Resource Conservation District
With Federal Funding Support through Natural Resources Canada’s Regional Adaptation Collaboratives Program
Copies of this guide can be obtained from:
www.obwb.ca www.okwaterwise.ca
1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC (250) 469-6271 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE This guide has been developed for educational purposes by the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) and its Okanagan WaterWise public outreach program. The rainfall capture and runoff control practices included in this guide are to be used as general guidelines and are not to be used as professional engineered specifications. Prior to implementation of ANY practices, seek technical assistance from a licensed professional engineer or landscape architect, and/or certified professionals in erosion and sediment control for specifications for these practices. Site-specific designs that address the needs and constraints of individual sites are essential.
Who We Are The OBWB was instituted in 1970 through a collaboration between three Okanagan regional districts. The Board’s jurisdiction is defined by the borders of the Okanagan watershed, or basin. The basin is almost 200 km long and 8,000 km2 and stretches from the City of Armstrong in the north to the Town of Osoyoos in the south. It includes Okanagan, Kalamalka, Wood, Skaha, Vaseux and Osoyoos lakes, their tributaries, and the surrounding mountains.
The overall objective of the OBWB is to undertake strategic projects and programs on a valley-wide scale that ensure a sustainable water supply for the citizens of the Okanagan while supporting member jurisdictions to meet their water management goals. Programs are supported through tax assessments on lands within the Okanagan watershed.
The Board of Directors includes representatives from the three Okanagan regional districts, the Okanagan Nation Alliance, the Water Supply Association of BC and the Okanagan Water Stewardship Council – a multi-stakeholder group established by the Board to provide independent science-based advice on water issues.
Acknowledgements A special thank you to the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County and the Sonoma Resource Conservation Districts who generously granted permission for us to adapt their Slow It. Spread It. Sink it! guidebooks to address the unique conditions and water challenges of the Okanagan.
Many individuals contributed to the development of this guide. Kellie Garcia, OBWB Policy and Planning Specialist, managed the project and
IMPORTANT NOTE: National, conducted research, writing and editing. Elana Westers of Growing Inspired provided research and writing services for the 2nd edition. The guide provincial, and local regulations was also edited by Corinne Jackson, OBWB Communications Director. Guide design and layout was completed by Blue Heron Design Group (1st pertain to many of the subjects edition) and Karen Christensen (2nd edition). presented in this guide. Regulations change, as do the technical An Advisory Committee reviewed drafts and provided invaluable technical information and photos for the first edition of the guide (published in methods and standards for environmental protection. Be sure 2011). Much of the content was carried forward to the 2nd edition. Committee members included: to follow applicable regulations covering private land maintenance Gwen Steele Kim Stephens Rob Dickinson and related activities for your area. Don Dobson Eva Durance Trina Koch See the Resources Guide on pages Chris Johnston Jillian Tamblyn Anna Warwick Sears 53 and 54 for a list of contacts that you may need to consult when implementing rainfall capture and Gordon Hiebert, Judie Steeves, Judy Baumbrough, Bill Darnell, Buffy Baumbrough, Jennifer Miles, Bruce Fuller, Zoe Kirk and Gabe Cipes also runoff control practices. provided guide content and/or photos. Illustrations were completed by Ritch Waldron, Wildways Illustrated, and Page Gruys unless otherwise noted.
i AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...... 1 CHAPTER 1 - UNDERSTANDING THE RAINWATER HARVESTING POTENTIAL OF YOUR PROPERTY...... 3 Roofs...... 4 Elevated Structures...... 6 Walkways and Patios...... 7 Driveways and Parking Areas...... 8 Bare Soils and Landscapes...... 9 CHAPTER 2 - EVALUATING RAINWATER RUNOFF ON YOUR PROPERTY...... 10 Do-It-Yourself Rainwater Runoff Evaluation...... 10 Difficult Sites and Site Constraints...... 13 Rainfall Capture and Mosquito Control...... 16 CHAPTER 3 - TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL AROUND YOUR HOME...... 18 Gutters and Downspouts ...... 20 Drip-Line Protection ...... 22 Rainwater Collection Systems ...... 24 Outlet Protection ...... 26 Rain Gardens ...... 27 Swales ...... 28 Infiltration Structures...... 31 Mulch Basins ...... 33 Pervious Hardscapes ...... 34 Ground Covers ...... 36 Erosion Control Blankets ...... 38 Living Roofs ...... 39 Cross Drains ...... 40 Retaining Walls and Terracing ...... 41 CHAPTER 4 - LOCAL PROJECTS...... 43 RESOURCES GUIDE...... 53 GLOSSARY...... 55 APPENDIX A - PLANT LIST...... 56 APPENDIX B - PLANTS TO AVOID IN ANY OKANAGAN GARDEN ...... 63
AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE ii DID YOU KNOW?
Something as simple as DID YOU KNOW THAT THIS... water from a downspout can contribute to a number of unwanted consequences. Roofs and other impervious surfaces alter natural hydrology and increase the volume of stormwater runoff. CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THIS?
This can have a variety of impacts, including streambank erosion and degraded wildlife habitat. Other unintended outcomes associated with accelerated stormwater runoff are potholes, damage to structures, beach closures, and in severe cases, land and mud slides.
Fortunately, there are simple low-cost things that we all can do to help decrease the volume of, and minimize the pollutants in, the runoff leaving our properties. And many practices have the added benefit of beautifying our landscapes. Read on to find out what you can do.
iii AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE SO WHY NOT TRY ONE OF THESE? Here are just a few of the ideas you will find in this guide to address rainwater runoff around your home.
Collect your roof water in a RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM. Plant a RAIN GARDEN on your property.
Cost: LOW Cost: LOW to MODERATE Installation difficulty: EASY Installation difficulty: EASY to INTERMEDIATE See page 24 See page 27
Use PERVIOUS PAVERS for your patio. Install a WATERBAR on your driveway.
Cost: MODERATE - HIGH Cost: MODERATE Installation difficulty: INTERMEDIATE Installation difficulty: INTERMEDIATE See page 34 See page 40
AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE iv INTRODUCTION efore the Okanagan’s cities, farms, water supply and flood infiltration and evapotranspiration. And the stormwater and sewer systems in our cities and control systems, and highways towns are often not designed to deal with the high intensity, short duration rainfall events B brought on by climate change. Runoff is typically carried away by pipes, driveways, streets, were built, the diverse collection of ponderosa pine forests, woodlands, native and storm drains to creeks and rivers, where it can cause flooding, road damage, stream grasslands, riparian areas, wetlands, and erosion, and landslides. cliffs and slopes were virtually undisturbed. Runoff also carries sediments and other pollutants to beaches and rivers, contributing to Rivers and streams, capturing and moving unsafe conditions for recreation and wildlife. Though rainwater starts out as being relatively rainwater, flowed from the mountains to clean, runoff collects pollutants as it flows over the landscape. For example, excess lawn the valley lakes and into the Okanagan fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, soap from car washing, and oil and grease from leaking River. Wetlands and oxbows functioned engines are just some contaminants that have been found in runoff. It is important to note as natu¬ral filters and buffers from major that nearly ALL storm drains in the Okanagan empty into local waterways UNTREATED. storms.
Under these pre-development conditions as much as 50% of rainwater soaked into the soil, replenishing groundwater supplies, contributing to year-round stream flows, and sustaining plants. Another 40% was released into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration (evaporation of surface and ground water, plus water loss from plants). Only about 10% contributed to runoff (rainwater that flows over land).
A high percentage of our urban centres and rural neighbourhoods are now made of hardened surfaces that do not allow water to pass through such as roofs, streets, and parking areas. When rain falls on these surfaces, it flows faster and in greater amounts than it would have under pre-development conditions, significantly increasing runoff and decreasing
1 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE DID YOU KNOW?
Just as a city and our personal properties have boundaries, so does a watershed. A watershed is the land …AND CONTINUES DIRECTLY INTO RUNOFF FROM THE SURROUNDING HOMES AND that contributes water to a given STREETS FLOWS THROUGH STORM DRAINS... LOCAL CREEKS AND RIVERS. area.
Brandts Creek, for example, is a One way to help reduce the negative impacts of runoff is by changing the way we approach new construction. But, since much of small watershed in Kelowna. The the Okanagan Valley is already built up, great benefits can be seen from addressing runoff from our existing homes. Through good creek is approximately 14 km long planning and design we can accomplish the following: with its headwaters in the east Glenmore area and its mouth at Conserve our natural resources Create healthier homes Okanagan Lake near Knox Mountain. Clean up our creeks, rivers, and lakes Protect infrastructure and reduce flooding Most of the stream channel has been impacted by urban development. This guide provides techniques to capture rainfall and control runoff that you can do at home. The techniques are not complicated. An However, there are still wetlands and example is slowing runoff by temporarily storing it in a rain barrel or other containment system where it can be used to water plants. riparian areas of high value along the Another example is allowing runoff to sink into the ground by directing it to landscape vegetation where sediment can be filtered creek. Urban watersheds similar to out and contaminants reduced. The practices are geared toward residential homes or small developments and the underlying Brandts Creek occur throughout the concepts behind them follow a simple mantra: Slow it. Spread it. Sink it! Okanagan. Restoring the runoff from rainfall to more natural patterns by SLOW the runoff down, using the practices outlined in this SPREAD it out in planters, gardens, or over other pervious surfaces (do not confine runoff to pipes), and guide will benefit these watersheds. SINK it back into the ground.
AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE 2 CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING THE RAINWATER RUNOFF ZONES 3 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO The five runoff zones discussed inthischapterThe five are: runoff common problems related and suggests potential to runoff solutions. Eachsolution iscovered indetail inChapter 3. This chapter divides your into property five major areas or “zones” thatcancontribute It examines each zone to runoff. for HARVESTING POTENTIALOFYOUR PROPERTY UNDERSTANDING THERAINWATER CHAPTER 1 USING RAIN ASARESOURCE 5) 4) 3) 2) 1)
bare andlandscapes. soils driveways and parking areas, and walkways andpatios, elevated structures, roofs, Illustrations from Rainwater andBeyond Harvesting for Drylands , Volumes 1and2,2ndEdition,p4. CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING THE RAINWATER RUNOFF ZONES
ROOFS Your roof likely generates the most runoff from your home. While most roofs are outfitted with gutters and downspouts, some are not, so protection measures for either possibility are discussed in this guide. Regardless of which system you use, all eaves and downspouts should be routed away from sensitive areas such as septic system leachfields, hillsides, and building foundations.
ROOFS WITHOUT GUTTERS If it is not possible to install gutters because of cost or other issues, you will need to protect the ground below the eaves, which is referred to as the drip line. Runoff from eaves can cause significant erosion, damage foundations, and cause unhealthy mold to develop.
WHAT IS YOUR ROOF MADE OF? Metal and tile roofs are preferred catchment surfaces if you want to irrigate edible garden crops with roof runoff. Composite DID YOU roofs (made from a mix of asphalt or asbestos shingles, tar paper roofing, shake, slate, laminate, wood, plastics and/or other KNOW? materials) may require the installation of a downspout diverter to filter the asphalt and contaminants out. a) It only takes 25 mm of rain falling on a typical POTENTIAL PROBLEMS SOLUTIONS 140-square-metre roof to generate approximately 3,500 Non-guttered roofs can A A Adding gutters and litres of runoff. cause problems along the downspouts works to direct drip line of your home. water to a safe location away b) Annual rainfall in the from bare soil and buildings Okanagan typically ranges B Water from a non-guttered (see pages 20 and 21). from 200 mm at Osoyoos to roof can cause erosion, damage 300 mm at Vernon. structures and foundations, and A contribute to downstream pollution. c) In one year, you could Ponding near foundations can also cause unhealthy mold to develop. B Vegetated or rock drip-line collect as much as 28,000 protection SLOWS runoff thus litres of rain from a typical reducing erosion and promoting roof in Osoyoos to 42,000 infiltration. It is also designed so that the ground slopes away litres in Vernon. B from the home’s foundation (see pages 22 and 23).
Repairing mold and water damage
AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE 4 CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING THE RAINWATER RUNOFF ZONES 5 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO damage to your property. potholes andother issues. ALWAYS avoid towards sending runoff hillsides, septicsystem leachfields, andbuildings where itcancause significant towarddownspout like runoff surfaces driveways impervious iscommonbut cancontribute to downstreamwater flooding, surface pollution, damage to andthe environment. property Undersized gutters clogandoverflow more frequently, whichcan damage foundations. Directing Gutters anddownspouts are anexcellent choice for but they handlingroof must be properly runoff sized, managed, and maintained to prevent GUTTERED ROOFS carry pollutants to nearbycarry waterways. candamage roads, exacerbaterunoff downstream flooding, and (concrete), isdirected toward andallof the runoff the street. The B waterways. exacerbate pollutants to downstream nearby flooding, and carry driveway candamage roads, thatdrains to the street. The runoff A USING RAIN ASARESOURCE
Thisdriveway isconstructed materials of impervious The downspout isdirected toward (concrete) animpervious POTENTIAL PROBLEMS A B water down andSPREADINGitout (pages potential solutions for by treating downspout SLOWING runoff A B
Rain barrels, raingardens, and downspout are all diverters See “Driveways andParking Areas” on page SOLUTIONS
24
to
27 8 ). CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING THE RAINWATER RUNOFF ZONES
ELEVATED STRUCTURES The area under decks, outdoor stairs, and other elevated structures, where water impacts the ground, is called the drip line. Significant soil loss, damage to supporting structures, or worse, can occur if this area is not adequately protected. Locations with more than a 50% slope are particularly vulnerable and may require treatments designed and installed by a qualified professional.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS SOLUTIONS
A Adding drain rock or vegetation to the perimeter SLOWS and SPREADS water, limiting the movement of sediment (see page 23). B
C B Adding drain rock SLOWS A runoff and safeguards the drip line area under elevated surfaces. Mulch around the perimeter adds extra protection A Low decks may prohibit the addition of protective ground cover, to the surrounding bare soil (see leaving bare soil to erode. page 23).
B The runoff from high decks impacts the soil with greater force than low decks. It can cause structural damage to Terracing or retaining walls supports and contribute to sediment and C may be added to sloped areas other pollutants entering nearby storm to keep rock or other mulch in drains and streams. Visible erosion under a deck is place and protect hillsides (see common. page 41). C Runoff on steep slopes with bare soils can cause significant erosion and even landslides. Ground covers such as rock and mulch are hard to keep in place and can easily wash away.
AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE 6 CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING THE RAINWATER RUNOFF ZONES 7 4. Wash your hands. 3. Place it inthetrash; and located along thecreek. with three dogwalking parks through thesuburbs ofVernon feces. Creekruns Coldstream dogcame fromdomestic showedThe study that 20% Creek. nitrates inColdstream high levels ofbacteria and of Environment showed conducted by theBCMinistry a water quality study the Okanagan. For example, ofcreeksincontamination the causes ofbacterial Pet waste isalso oneof riskofinfection.greatest and adults whogarden areat up. Children whoplay outside as four years ifnot cleaned inyourcan last yard for aslong pet waste to humans. Some that can betransmitted from of themany harmful germs a fewcoli, and Giardia are just dog’s feces. Roundworms, E. to scoopyour It’s important DID YOU KNOW? AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO best option); best bags are the biodegradable bag (recycled or 2. Put itina feces; Scoopthe 1. safe and easy: The solution is
available andpromote thatwillreduce runoff infiltration. constructing anew walkway or patio always consider where drain.Angle ittoward itwill avegetated oneof the new porous area or try products meets signsoferosion the soil.Does your where walkway the pathor surface patio visible drain to the street or toward your house? When Walkways become conduitsFor for andpatio areas often existing runoff. paved pathsor patios, look for areas of standing water or WALKWAYS ANDPATIOS infiltrate. materials to thatdon’t allow runoff of concrete or other impervious constructedas patiosare often C downstream. andcause problemsincrease runoff thatdrainto the streetsurfaces B and leave bare soilto erode. A USING RAIN ASARESOURCE
Hard durable surfaces suchHard durable surfaces Walkways or other hard evenFoot traffic, inlow use areas, caninhibitplantgrowth POTENTIAL PROBLEMS C B flooding. the street contributes to localized thatdrainstoResidential runoff A SOLUTIONS areas (seepage driveways withseparate parking soil inmedium-trafficareasor water to SINKinto the allowing (see page 34 more water to SINKinto the ground allow to excess use plantborders runoff, areas and patios. For areas with C B prone areas. not use wood mulches infire (see page 36 tofor SINKinto runoff the ground allow and work well areas inlow-traffic A
Use paver stones for high-traffic Turf block works well for Mulch, gravel, or wood chips ). ). Important: Do). Important: 35 ). CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING THE RAINWATER RUNOFF ZONES
DRIVEWAYS AND PARKING AREAS DID YOU KNOW? Traditionally, driveways have been constructed to divert runoff directly to the street. That runoff can carry a variety of pollutants, such as oil We have all heard that cars and grease, soap from car washing, leaked antifreeze, and more. Your driveway also acts as a conduit for large volumes of roof runoff. Allowing large contribute to air pollution. volumes of water to drain to the street increases the chances of potholes, flooding, and erosion. Check to see where your driveway runoff goes But, did you know they can and locate the nearest storm drain. Many alternatives are available to replace impervious concrete and there are a variety of solutions for addressing also play a part in water runoff on your driveway or parking areas. contamination? Soap from car washing, oil and grease from leaking engines, zinc from POTENTIAL PROBLEMS SOLUTIONS tires, and copper from brakes can end up in the water that The downspout See Guttered Roofs on page 5. A A we live beside, play in, and is directed toward an impervious (concrete) even get our drinking water driveway that drains to from. An asphalt berm (like a small the street. The resultant B speed bump) known as a waterbar runoff may damage We can help keep our water can be added to existing driveways roads, exacerbate A to SLOW and SPREAD runoff to clean by: keeping cars downstream flooding, or C vegetated or rocked infiltration areas properly maintained; washing carry pollutants to nearby (see page 40). waterways. D B vehicles on lawns or gravel areas, or better yet, using B This driveway slopes commercial car washes; and Pervious paving (pictured) or toward the street and C recycling oil, antifreeze and other materials such as paver stones creates runoff potentially contributing to flooding, erosion, and or turf block, allow water to SINK used batteries. pollutants in nearby storm drains and streams. into the soil decreasing runoff (see page 34). C This driveway is constructed of impervious materials (concrete) and directs all of the runoff toward the street. The runoff may damage roads, increase downstream flooding, or carry pollutants to nearby waterways. D A rocked or vegetated swale lining the edge of a road or driveway reduces erosion potential by D Driveways that do direct water runoff SLOWING runoff and then SINKING it away from the street can still contribute back into the soil or directing it to a to erosion if the area collecting the safer outlet (see page 28). runoff is not properly protected or Driveways can act as conduits for maintained. excess amounts of runoff that can damage roads.
AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE 8 CHAPTER 1: UNDERSTANDING THE RAINWATER RUNOFF ZONES 9 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO ice plantcanactually the hinder stabilityof sloped areas due to poor root structure oradded weight. role inpreventingan important to use plants adapted soil loss, itisimportant to your kindsof ivyor site. Some plantssuchascertain water isflowing across baresoilanywhere on your property, atleast some soil isbeing carried away (eroding). Since vegetation plays on bare soils canbe identified by uneven depressions inthe soils thatcreate smallgullies, soilandany surfaces, sign of soil loss. If structures forcompromise decks and buildings, and inextreme support cases leads to catastrophic events such aslandslides. Erosion decaying leaves andneedles, ormulch (wood chips,etc.), Erosion these areas erode reduces soilfertility, and increase runoff. can In any landscape, bare soils andsloped areas are vulnerable to Without aprotective the impacts ofrunoff. cover of vegetation, BARE SOILSANDLANDSCAPES they become unstable. damage to surrounding structures if also prone to erosion andcancause C occurs.. cause bodily harmifland movement to the environment, but canalso soil erosion isnot onlyharmful B A
USING RAIN ASARESOURCE
Moderately sloped areas are In steeply sloped or hillyareas Bare soilsare highlysusceptible to erosion. C POTENTIAL PROBLEMS A B SOLUTIONS hillsides (page order to prevent soil erosion on SLOW in andSPREADrunoff sumac (pictured here) canhelp vegetation such assmooth C (page as benches andplanter boxes to alandscape andcandouble They alsoadd beautyrunoff. sloped areas inplace andSLOW B if you prone are inafire area. Do not use wood mulchImportant: across bare soils (page rain impact andSLOWS runoff A
Using carefully chosen Retaining walls help hold Mulch protects soil from direct 41 ). 37 ). 36 ). ). CHAPTER 2: EVALUATING RAINWATER RUNOFF ON YOUR PROPERTY 10 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN a pencil (ink may run if it gets wet) if run it gets (ink may a pencil dry) paper the keep (to an umbrella a camera
Your sketch will be used to record observations runoff the where about record to used will be comes sketch Your Below is a list of items you will need: you is a list of items Below
rain gear a notepad property your of sketch a simple
GATHER YOUR TOOLS. YOUR GATHER Once you’ve gathered all of the tools and completed an initial property sketch, an initial property sketch, and completed tools the all of gathered you’ve Once PROPERTY. YOUR OBSERVE PROPERTY. YOUR SKETCH
1) To discover where you can use rainwater capture and runoff control techniques that draw on the fundamentals of “slow it, spread it, sink it,” we it, sink it,” we it, spread “slow of fundamentals the on that draw runoff and capture techniques control rainwater can use you where discover To property your around and a walk research of background consists The evaluation property. your of evaluation do a simple that you recommend runoff observations how include should handled, is currently 9). Your observations 3 to pages (see 5 zones of the record to day a rainy on their kids can don - the it fun and runoff capture Make practices. rainfall use runoffwhere control to able might be you where and is going, you! and join boots rubber DO-IT-YOURSELF RAINWATER RUNOFF EVALUATION RUNOFF RAINWATER DO-IT-YOURSELF EVALUATING RAINWATER RUNOFF ON YOUR PROPERTY YOUR ON RUNOFF RAINWATER EVALUATING head outside on a rainy day for the stormwater evaluation walk. For the most accurate results, do not choose choose not do results, most accurate the For walk. evaluation stormwater the for day a rainy on head outside least at been have until there Wait of rain. few minutes first the during out or go season of the firstthe storm see you once storm a subsequent during out than 12.5 mm (1/2 in). Go more rain events, good two or one runoffobservationsby drawing stormwater can record you walk, the During property. your on flowing water several Take property drawing). sample (see your on movement water of direction the that follow arrows techniques might apply the you locations where potential record can also You walk. on your while photographs and around look a driveway, to drains that currently a downspout have if you example, 3. For in Chapter listed runoff, the might direct plants, or a rain garden. a rain barrel, landscape you where locations to note from and flows to. The sketch can be very your can be property include It should of outline an simple. boundaries, sketch The to. flows and from etc.). lawns, (trees, vegetation major soil and any bare of areas driveways, outbuildings, and foundation, house your from away water ditch that carries drain, or storm stream, nearest the to are you close how note Also map a contour consult can also You 3). walk (step your on can find it if you see sure, aren’t If you property. close that are Lines landscape. the across lines level represents map lines Contour sketch. with your help to further that are lines while slope pointing lines Also, a steep represent ground. aparttogether level depict represent elevation a lower towards a point that make lines while a ridge represent elevation a higher towards disperseson ridges, valleys, in concentrates to contour, perpendicular flows that water: Remember a valley. level. when infiltrates and and de-energizes on slope, up speeds 3)
2) CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER CHAPTER 2: EVALUATING RAINWATER RUNOFF ON YOUR PROPERTY 11 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO more information. See www.waterbalance.ca for property. appropriate foris themost your inthisguide tolisted seewhich controlpractices and runoff many oftherainwater capture that allows you to examine own lots.It isa handy web-tool solutions they can apply ontheir appropriateenvironmentally exploring and conservation interestedhomeowners in is especially relevant to The “Water Balance Express” soil, and climate conditions. solutions for land use, different of rainwater management compare multiplescenarios that can homeowners use to There isa computer model DID YOU KNOW? USING RAIN ASARESOURCE or intercepted from, anexisting septic system. undeveloped. Itiscriticalthatstormwater projects be designed so thatwater isnot diverted to, septic system, be sure to also locate your replacement leach field area, whichmust remain provincial setbacks from septic tanks,leach fields, interceptor drainsand wells. If you have a 7) 6) 5) 4) to beprotected from pollutants anderosion. potential sources of pollution, mitigate wherever possible andthen determine areas thatneed antifreeze onto your driveway? Both are highlytoxic to pets andthe environment. Identify these are potential pollutants associated withthe material. Do your automobiles leak oil and/or property, reduce flooding,improve and help local water quality. determine whatpractices you might want to adopt to beautify your landscape, protect your stored andused asaresource for springrunoff. featuresharvesting must be built to handle those. Also, accumulated snow inwinter canbe the summer months, rainfall comes down inlarge rainevents thatcancause floods so water have early, consistent rainfall inAprilandMay andlate rainfall inOctober and November. In in the design. Seasonal cycles must also come into effect. Inthe Okanagan, we traditionally be designed to endure extreme events by considering exit points or overflows for excess water to planforIt isimportant extremes. Rainwater control techniques capture andrunoff should climateData/canada_e.html Precipitation information for your area canbe found at See next page for instructions onhow to complete amason jarsoil test andasoildrainage test. detailed analysisorifyou thinkyour soilsmay have poor infiltration rates. determine ofyour the general properties soil, but you should consult aprofessional for amore describedinthis guide.control techniques with poor infiltration rates arenotrecommendedoftherainfall and runoff capture for most
EVALUATE YOUR RESULTS. LOCATE SEPTIC SYSTEMS ANDWELLS,IFAPPLICABLE: ASSESS POTENTIAL POLLUTANTS: KNOW YOUR SOILSANDRAINFALL RATES. . Using your results and the descriptions inChapter 3,you can Determine whatyour roof ismade of andwhether there A simple test canbe completed day to on adry Thisisacriticalpiece of information. Soils http://climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/ Determine required localor CHAPTER 2: EVALUATING RAINWATER RUNOFF ON YOUR PROPERTY 12 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN Okanagan-Similkameen Okanagan-Similkameen https://www.regionaldistrict.com/media/210071/RGGB_
. Place the soil in the jar and remove any obvious rocks, roots or debris. or roots rocks, obvious any and remove jar in the soil the Place 3 minutes, for shake jar and the into as soil water of amount the same Pour hours. 24 at least for sit undisturbed it can where it in a spot place then clay. of silt, sand and percentages the Measure Find a clear jar with a screw lid (a Mason/canning jar works well for this) for well lid (a Mason/canning jar works jar with a screw Find a clear vertically then soil, the dig straight down 20 cm (8 in) into to a shovel Use way. fill a jar half to soil enough get to a trowel use
Fill the hole with water and observe the drainage rate over time. time. over and observe rate drainage the with water hole 3: Fill the Step Evaluate the soil texture. 2: Evaluate Step Dig the hole 60 cm (2 ft) hole 1: Dig the 60 cm (1 ftStep 2 ft) and 30 cm to deep to diameter. in To do a drainage test at home, see the detailed instructions on pages 14-17 of the the of 14-17 pages on instructions the detailed see at home, test do a drainage To here: found which can be Book Guide Rain Garden RainGardenGuide.pdf The test steps: three main includes SOIL DRAINAGE RATE TEST: TEST: RATE SOIL DRAINAGE of design the is necessary inform test to rate drainage a soil test, “perc” or as a percolation known Also rate drainage the determines an understanding soil characteristics, of you gives It property. earthworks your on is example) (for garden a rain like something at a certain soil or not whether for determines and also depth, in spring, defrosts after just months, ground the a particular wetter in the done is best for suitable test The area. dry in the not ideally but it freezes, season. before fall in the or This soil test is a relatively quick way to get a snap-shot look at the percentage of silt, sand and clay in your soil. soil. in your and clay silt, sand of percentage the at look a snap-shot get to way quick is a relatively This soil test oil and similar to layers, jar into in the out particle has a different of soil each type Because separate they size, and matter is high in organic soil particlesthe largest has Sand loamy silty or bottom, at the settles and so water. tests appears particles finest the has surface.on the appears and clay middle, in the several Doing always so in space. soil changes the the how of picture complete a more you will give areas different soil in a few from MASON JAR SOIL TEST: SOIL JAR MASON CHAPTER 2: EVALUATING RAINWATER RUNOFF ON YOUR PROPERTY 13 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO successful you runoff. willbe atmanaging The more you know about your soilsthe more infiltration limitinglayers such ashardpans. to look for areas of shallow parent material or consult aqualified professional. Also make sure simple test outlined onpage a technique for your property, the perform water being directed to them. Before choosing have the capacityto handle theamount of soil, itiscriticalthatthesoils onyour property that increases the infiltration of water into the the Okanagan. When attempting any practice There are awide variety of types soil found in SOIL CONDITIONS rainwater practices near geologicallyhazardous sites. into thesoilwithout consulting a professional engineer. geotechnical Further, your local municipality may also have specific bylaws concerning practices for your property. implementing rainwater site management practices. Below constraints thatyou isadescription of primary should consider when evaluating drainage pre-existing erosion issues, or are prone to flooding or landslides canbe problematic. alsorequireWaterfront special consideration when properties drainage techniquesimpossible to onyour do certain property. For example, thathave properties poor infiltrationrates, are onsteep slopes, have While thisguide presents great ideas, itiscriticalto recognize when andwhere they are NOT appropriate. Some site conditions make itdifficult or DIFFICULT SITESANDSITECONSTRAINTS USING RAIN ASARESOURCE If your property falls into oneofthe categoriesIf your discussed inthis section,oryou property areunsure, do notinfiltrate your water 12 and/or on the next page). information under geologically hazardous sites and conditions thatpromote landslides (see risk of soils saturating and causing slumping to these sitesand infiltratingrunoff you run the use caution on any steep slopes. By directing and than 50%without professional consultation on the site. Avoid installations on slopes greater in determining practices thatcanbeinstalled The steepness ofthe slope playsrole asignificant SLOPESSTEEP home drainage projects. beforeplease consult anexpert considering them. Ifyour homehasexisting erosion issues, flows intodiverting areas thatcannot handle you do not exacerbate current conditions by isensuring that importance worse. Ofparticular implement willnot make your erosion issues issues and be sure thatdrainage practices you to be awareimportant of your current erosion implementation ofdrainage practices. Itis may complicate the site andpreclude the In some cases, pre-existing erosion problems ISSUES EROSIONPRE-EXISTING CHAPTER 2: EVALUATING RAINWATER RUNOFF ON YOUR PROPERTY 14 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN AREAS PRONE TO FLOODING PRONE AREAS areas These or deltas. fans alluvial have valley the entering All streams particularly flooding, climate extreme at risk from be an during may or designed inadequately by caused can also be Flooding event. systems. drainage storm maintained is important to development terrain planning of upstream Careful and people. facilities downstream risks to minimize SINKHOLES ZONES SINKHOLES vertical along seeping water when occur the Okanagan in Sinkholes sediment tiny with the interacts in silty soil fractures horizontal and/or The particles, silt particles the holding structure collapsing the together. channel a thin tubular along silt particles water by mobilized become enlarges, channel With time, the occurred. originally fracture the where silt. of extrusion the to due collapses occurs ground the and caving near area Mesa Sage in the well-developed especially are Sinkholes addition the sinkhole, a former or near is on If construction Penticton. hazard The fail. to material foundation the cause may water extra of backyard or irrigation uncontrolled by increased considerably can be reclaim to attempt owners land when arises issue Another watering. disappears eventually which with material, filling them by sinkholes hole. the down Consultation with a qualified geotechnical professional prior to to prior professional geotechnical with a qualified Consultation undercutting in the that result limit activities to will help development emphasize slopes, on steep fill of placement the eliminate slopes, of and prevent drainage, proper of necessity the building construction near crests. slope unstable The glacio-lacustrine soils with high silt content (>80%) that occur (>80%) that occur with high silt content soils glacio-lacustrine The in the especially Okanagan, of the lands the bench throughout and sinking events. landslides of many a source are area, Penticton surface to highly susceptible are soils The and subsurface and erosion loading. groundwater often by slumping, triggered Landslide is a general term used to describe the down-slope movement movement down-slope the describe to used term is a general Landslide that landform the and dry, or wet organic materials, and soil, rock of a by of a slope undercutting by caused can be Landslides results. snow melting rainfall, prolonged from soil to water of addition river, of release accidental or and unintentional seepage, groundwater or slopes. steep on irrigation water excess LANDSLIDES ZONES Geologic hazards are natural processes that can be damaging to to damaging be that can processes natural are hazards Geologic and sinkholes Landslides, life. human and/or structures property, The Valley. Okanagan the in hazards geologic of examples are floods British Columbia,” Geology “Okanagan is from information following (2004). Greenough and John Roed Murray by edited GEOLOGICALLY HAZARDOUS SITES SITES HAZARDOUS GEOLOGICALLY CHAPTER 2: EVALUATING RAINWATER RUNOFF ON YOUR PROPERTY 15 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO Okanagan_Lakeshore_Living_Guide_web.pdf Lakeshore Living”at For more information, check out “A Resource for Okanagan is to leave italone. have anundisturbed, natural shoreline, the best thingyou cando ability to absorbwater, reducing damage to your property. Ifyou the shoreline slow down flood waters and increase the soil’s sand andhelp prevent erosion. Vegetation, logs androcks along reach water bodies. The roots ofbuffer plantsreinforce soil and purify water by filtering beforetoxic substances out they of runoff quality of your water andprotect your land.Vegetated buffers thingsyou cando to– isone of the most important maintainthe along the lengthofyour shoreline, alsoknown asariparianzone Having a“buffer zone” –anarea of natural vegetation thatruns approvals needed to are often conduct work on the property. governed by alarge variety oflaws and regulations andspecial for aquatic Last, but definitely habitat. not least, shorelines are kinds ofwildlife, andprovide including species atrisk, protection manythe effects ofstorms andflooding. Shorelines support or unusual frost patterns andcanalso be more susceptible to experienceoften microclimates such astemperature inversions havebanks andbluffs atendency to erode. Shoreline properties easily compacted anddamaged thanupland soils. Shoreline seepage from uphill, andusually have wetter soils thatare more slope, are on the receiving end of drainage andShorelines often rainwater anderosion. runoff in the creation but alsothe control andreduction of harmful watersurface bodies, role canplay both anespecially important due toproperties, their close proximity anddirect connection to with extra care andattention onshoreline lots. Waterfront Land modifications for rainwater management need to be done WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT USING RAIN ASARESOURCE okwaterwise.ca/resources/2018/ . CHAPTER 2: EVALUATING RAINWATER RUNOFF ON YOUR PROPERTY 16 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN Cover all inlets, outlets, and vents with mosquito-proof screening (fine mesh - 1.5 mm [1/16 of an in]). 1.5 mm [1/16 - mesh (fine screening with mosquito-proof and vents outlets, all inlets, Cover remain and fittings intact. leaks and that all seals cracks or no are there ensure basis to on a regular Inspect overflow. from water divert either excess absorb to or designed be should cistern the surrounding area The personnel. control mosquito by as inspection as well maintenance periodic for accessible be must cistern the of inside The Keep gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris. of free and clean and downspouts gutters Keep environment. outside the to openings with no enclosed be completely should ground) and below (above Cisterns connections. lids and cistern Tightly seal If possible, place your barrel on a surface that will soak up or promptly drain water that has overflowed. drain water a surface on barrel your place If possible, promptly or that will soak up debris. and leaves such as materials of organic free barrel your Keep lid. self-draining with a a barrel use or a week, 2 times 1 to at least barrel the of top on the pooled have may that water Remove barrel. the into water direct to diverter a downspout Use intact. and fittings remain that all seals and or leaks cracks no are there be sure basis to on a regular system the Inspect Use barrels with mosquito-proof screen (fine mesh - 1.5 mm [1/16th of an in]) under the lid and covering the overflow hole. overflow the lid and covering the under of an in]) 1.5 mm [1/16th - mesh (fine screen with mosquito-proof barrels Use sealed. system in the lid and all connectors rain barrel your Keep
MOSQUITO CONTROL IN SWALES, RAIN GARDENS, AND INFILTRATION SYSTEMS RAIN GARDENS, AND INFILTRATION SWALES, IN CONTROL MOSQUITO design Correct properly. and maintained designed be must and systems structures and infiltration storage, treatment, Stormwater disease mosquito-borne control, mosquito repeated for need production,the mosquito for the potential minimizes maintenance and basins and retention rain gardens swales, as rock-lined such features treatment transmission, Stormwater issues. health public and other 48-72 hours. of in excess contain standing water not should FOR LARGE WATER TANKS/CISTERNS WATER LARGE FOR FOR RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS COLLECTION RAINWATER FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND MOSQUITO CONTROL AND MOSQUITO CAPTURE RAINFALL nuisance the to addition In can soar. populations mosquito is left stagnate, to water open When reproduce. to water standing need Mosquitos follow to remember please breeding, mosquito unwanted prevent To disease. transmit to ability the have also mosquitos bite, an itchy of conservation practices. water and management rainwater for standard tips mosquito-proofing these CHAPTER 2: EVALUATING RAINWATER RUNOFF ON YOUR PROPERTY 17 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO www.regionaldistrict.com [email protected] 250-763-4918 www.rdos.bc.ca [email protected] 250-490-4232 Program Mosquito Control Similkameen Okanagan- Regional District Program Mosquito Control Regional Nuisance Central Okanagan Regional District www.interiorhealth.ca 1-866-300-0520 Authority Interior Health contact: controlling mosquitos, like moreinformation about mosquito problem orwould *If you areexperiencing a
MAINTENANCE: VEGETATION: PLANNING: The following listprovides examples ofhow to minimizemosquito production control whileusingrainfall techniques. captureandrunoff USING RAIN ASARESOURCE
Keep andfree ofdebris. inlets andoutlets serviceable Mow or thinout vegetation reqularly to avoid overgrowth, ensure proper system function, andfacilitate access. Aggressively manage unwanted vegetation. maintain proper function. Periodic sediment removal to may minimize mosquito be necessary habitat (e.g., swales, retention features, cross drains)and Develop andadhere to amaintenance planandschedule. Do not surround raingardens, swales, or retention features withdense vegetation thatcould hinder access. Do not plantcattailsorother aquatic plantspecies thatcanbecome invasive such asyellow flagirisandpurple loosestrife. and allow for efficient mosquito control, ifnecessary. Native, low-growing vegetation preferred is to minimize the potential for mosquito production instormwater treatment systems Choose appropriate vegetation for the specific project. drowning hazard to children. Use caution when installingany type of catchment system thatholds 46cm(18 in)or more ofwater asthisposes apotential Systems should be easily accessible. Avoid loose-fitting rock or riprapthatmay trap water, creating anideal environment for mosquito production. Systems should completely to drainwithin72hours prevent mosquito breeding. Select andmaintainproper grade for moving water (e.g. swales, retention features, cross drains). CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 18 CALL BEFORE BEFORE CALL DIG YOU is a FREE BC One Call anyone to service available project that a planning entails digging. A phone call 1-800-474- at BC One Call to find to 6886 is the best way on your is buried what out which and you dig site areas It when digging. must avoid use. to easy is simple and of your Within three days the memberscall, One of BC plan site a will send you Call locations exact the showing or of their buried facilities techniciana will visit your physical provide and site more detailed For markings. visit www. information, bconecall.bc.ca/. Examples Examples . USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN and 54 and 53 Call 1-800-474-6886 for assistance assistance for Call 1-800-474-6886 are usually more expensive to install install to expensive more usually are slowing down water and physically removing sediments, removing and physically water down slowing and structure root their through slopes stabilize helping to soil, the on rain of impact reduction pollutants and other nutrients of removal biological and (bioremediation), soil infiltration. improving
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG. YOU BEFORE CALL plays several important roles in rainwater capture capture important in rainwater roles several plays Vegetation practices Structural check regulatory with applicable to agencies ALWAYS
described in this guide requires ongoing maintenance to remain remain to maintenance ongoing requires in this guide described plans. If your into this maintenance factor to sure Be effective. the review please techniques, listed of the one use already you existing your of the most out tips on getting for section maintenance to feedback obtain and frequently system Observe your features. as possible. as efficiently is operating everything ensure and runoff including: control, and the strain on resources a greater and maintain and place when used only be should practices Structural environment. an option. is not or vegetation changes management permit is necessary if a project. determine any for a building include required be which a permit may for projects of runoff sending or a creek installing a large cistern, to wall, retaining a list of For property. a neighbouring to water and directing stream, pages see contacts agency resource Call members. BC One from 5) 2) 3) 4) of your current current your of recommended in this guide move away from the the from away move in this guide recommended
techniques In many cases a simple change in management a simple cases In many
CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER system may be all that is needed to minimize negative impacts of of impacts negative minimize to all that is needed be may system runoff. It is important technique that each recognize to stormwater 1) Before embarking on any new project, please remember: please project, new on any embarking Before old “pipe it and pave it” model and toward the SLOW it, SPREAD it, it, it, SPREAD SLOW the toward and it” model it and pave “pipe old and out, water the spread down, water the slow SINK it approach: heart is at the the land. That notion into these of water sink the runoff the address to can use mantra you is a simple and practices on information includes chapter following The property. own your on Find the practical and cost effective. that are techniques of a variety site unique your and pocketbook, your needs, your fits that best one conditions. The The Managing rainwater on residential properties is not a new idea. Most Most idea. properties residential on a new is not Managing rainwater the runoff using in era the of constructed methods were homes has been approach that past 50 years, the For built. were which they property the using possible as as quickly from runoff direct to away pipes this that recognize now we effective, largely While and pavement. experiencing now are We only shifts downstream. approach problems flooding, increased including ways of in a variety consequences the supplies, water our on stress property, and private public to damage and habitats. waterways local our of and degradation CONTROL AROUND YOUR HOME YOUR AROUND CONTROL general for exclusively are provided described in this guide Disclaimer: The techniques consider help landowners to is intended The guide purposes. educational and information solutions. their current runoff and potential identify concerns practices and to conditions who can address specific site professional Consultation with an experienced and/or sites. some techniques for be required may TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF AND RUNOFF CAPTURE RAINFALL FOR TECHNIQUES CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 19 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO landscape. the techniques inthisguide canbeautify your aquifers by enhancing recharge. more water to sinkinto the soil helps protect our recommended. a qualified licensed professional ishighly by the homeowner. Itisnoted when using high, andalevel ofdifficulty for installation of each, anestimated costrange from low to include general information on the benefits pest control. create habitatfor local wildlife andactasnatural use vegetation, choosing appropriate plants can control techniquesWhen installingrunoff that 3) 2) 1) in thischapter include thefollowing: Potential benefits ofthe outlinedtechniques MANAGEMENT OFRAINWATERBENEFITS The 5) 4) mitigate flooding potential. we canreduce peak flowsresidential runoff, and its greatest volume. Bychangingthetimingof our plants. where itcanbe stored inthe soil for use later by water water needs ORdirecting runoff to areas through capturing rainwater, using plantswithlow timing:
Enhances and creates wildlife habitat Promotes groundwater recharge water:Conserves Water canbe conserved Reduces peak flows or facilitates runoff Reduces peakflows or runoff facilitates Improves landscape aesthetics: techniques USING RAIN ASARESOURCE
Peak flows occur when runoff reaches Peak reaches flows occur when runoff described inthischapter Many of : Allowing Allowing : 7) 6) location during largestorms. provided they canrun overland to asafe canbe disconnectedbe anissue, surfaces new development, where gradingshould not not completely. disconnect thestorm service For existing storm sewer system for larger storms. Do need to provide anoverflow connection to the When inaretrofit development situation, you ditches and away from buildings. interceptor or from large storms drainsafely to road systems areas are typicallygraded such thatrainfall pathway water. of runoff New development systems or have neighbouring lots inthe lots may belower thansurrounding road water isgoing during alarge storm. Many existing to know important where the As aresult, itisvery control the gradingof the soilaround your house. renovating your existing lot), itisdifficult to Typically, during retrofit development (i.e. are alsosuitable for new developments. many ofthe techniques presented inthisguide used for existing Thatsaid, homes andproperties. control techniquescapture and runoff thatcanbe The scope of thisguide isto provide rainfall DEVELOPMENT RETROFIT VERSUSNEW amount ofsediment entering local streams. erosion limitthe lossof top soiland reduce the public infrastructure such asroads. that could damage structures, foundations, or value: property
Protects infrastructure and increases and increases Protects infrastructure Reduces erosion: These practices help reduce runoff These practices help reduce runoff
Practices that reduce Practices thatreduce options foryour property: help you thebest choose Look forthesesymbolsto $$$ $$ M C E $ Complex Moderate Easy INSTALLATION DIFFICULTY High cost Medium cost Low cost COST Protects infrastructure Reduces erosion timing Reduces peak flows orrunoff Improves landscape aesthetics habitat Enhances &creates wildlife Recharges groundwater waterConserves BENEFITS CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 20 Ogee USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN GUTTER PROFILES Half Round Half E-M $-$$$ for contact information. for Gutters also come in different shapes. The shape of your gutter determines the the determines gutter of your shape The shapes. come in different also Gutters gutters, shaped Ogee a storm. during roof your from it can handle water of amount ogee the However gutters. than rounded water more can handle example, for and corners edges and debris. sediment can collect sharp gutter’s GUTTERS (0.6 mm [0.025 in] aluminum or minimum) (29 gauge steel galvanized from made materials Use cm (5 in) wide. 13 at least gutters Select the to according gutters slope flow, enhance of zinc.) To impacts potential the reduce to be painted should gutters galvanized (Note: minimum). in) to mm (1/16 1.6 or gutter; sectional of 30.5 cm (1 foot) 3 mm (1/8 in) per in) to mm (1/16 1.6 commonly recommendations manufacturer’s straight runs back. than the For mm (1/2 in) lower 13 front the keeping forward ft) gutter Tilt the gutters. of seamless 3 m (10 3 mm (1/8 in) per as needed. angles, with 45, 60, 75 or 90 degree 12 m (40 ft), elbows Select at connections. joints expansion use exceeding General guidelines for selecting and installing gutters and downspouts or improving capacity capacity improving or downspouts and gutters installing and selecting for guidelines General below. included are Also consider where your downspouts drain. Where possible and safe, divert downspouts AWAY from from divert AWAY downspouts and safe, possible Where drain. downspouts your where consider Also them direct soils. Instead, compacted or walkways, impervious driveways, surfaces as concrete such water decreases This soil. the runoff SINK into allowing to property, your of areas vegetated well to for potential downstream the and reduces drains and in storm streets on volume flooding. NEW INSTALLATIONS OR RETROFITS NEW INSTALLATIONS performance. is installation While proper for crucial are downspouts and gutters sized Properly willYou difficult. more can prove roof your for system size correct the calculating simple, fairly recommend We rainfall. annual location’s and your slope pitch or and area roof your know to need and downspout gutter correct to assist with calculating professional qualified a local contacting sizes. Your regional district or municipality may have specific requirements for installing gutters and and installing gutters for specific requirements have may municipality district or regional Your you but guidelines, general provided have often we change, requirements Since downspouts. department planning/building information. detailed more respective your contact for should 53 page See USES: ROOF RUNOFF USES: ROOF GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS DOWNSPOUTS AND GUTTERS CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 21 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO DO
Check andclean gutters severe after storms. in arainbarrel or cistern. Collect runoff to araingardenDirect runoff or swale. DOWNSPOUTS staircases thatmightbe forgotten. Always check andclean gutters severe after storms. rust, andevidence of pasterosion.parts, Make sure to check hidden outlets under decks or treatment (see page (24 in)clearance zone. Add gutter guards to reduce debris buildup. You canalsoaddadripline dense trees or vegetation, trimtrees andvines away from gutters to maintainaminimum 61 cm Gutters on homes surrounded by evergreen trees willneed cleaning inthe spring.Inareas with surrounded by deciduous trees willneed to be cleaned inlate the leaves fall after have been shed. issues. The vegetation onyour willimpactrunoff your property maintenance schedule. Gutters on homes Setting up amaintenance schedule isone of and theeasiest mostcost-effective solutions to many roof Maintenance: safe alternatives. Instead, route them to vegetated areas. page protection practicesdescribed on cover should use one ofthe outlet without substantial vegetation and pipes thatoutlet onto surfaces and steep slopes. Alldownspouts safe outlets away from structures rain gardens andswales or to other water to infiltration areassuch as extensions (flexible or rigid) to convey needed, use 10 cm(4in)diameter exceed 45degree angle bends. Where water down andSPREADitout. Do not andhelp SLOWwhere necessary downspouts canincrease capacity Adding additional apart. (20 to 50ft) Space downspouts from 6to 15 m 26 USING RAIN ASARESOURCE . Do not direct downspout outlets to driveways unless there are no surfaces or other impervious 22 ) below gutters Check your thatclog often. system for leaks, damaged DON’T
Send runoff onto aneighbour’s property.Send runoff to steepDirect runoff slopes or foundations. Release water onto bare soil. given pointreducingthepotential for erosion. Adding anadditionaldownspout helpsreducethevolume atany andvelocity ofrunoff rainchains.com. orwww.a localretailer For moreinformation visit downspouts.with standard protections as you would same precautions for outlet make sure to take the rain chains, When installing evaporation and spillage. reduction through runoff they also provide some they visually appealing, in Japan. Not onlyare used for hundreds ofyears in Japanese) have been (‘kusariRain chains dio’ ofa downspout.instead can beusedA rain chain KNOW? DID YOU CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 22
54 and 53 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN Plant invasive species such as Goutweed. such species Plant invasive vegetation. Plant highly flammable or street, the driveway, your to drain to water irrigation Allow soil. bare onto Use Okanagan native and/or drought-tolerant plants. drought-tolerant and/or native Okanagan Use ventilation. adequate allow to plants well-pruned Keep siding. cm (6 in) below 15 soil a minimum of Keep contamination. water prevent fertilizationMinimize to organic fertilizers controls. and pest Try
DON’T DO
E $ Where adequate sunlight is available, is available, sunlight adequate Where healthy grass or turf that has been established directly up to the foundation of your home, and home, your of turf or grass foundation the healthy to up directly established that has been rock, or turf wood, by between with mulch bordered that are completely beds flower or plants, shrubs,
for contact information). for Deck/stair lines: drip growing low other or grasses, cover, ground planting hardy erosion from soil protecting low-cost is a good for option vegetation plants that do and stairs. decks beneath drought-tolerant Use Roof drip lines: Homeowners can plant and maintain mature vegetation below their roof drip lines. If there is is If there drip lines. roof their below vegetation maintain mature can plant and Homeowners drip lines: Roof adequate of Examples areas. maintain these simply bed), as turf (such planter vegetation a bordered or existing following: the include drip line vegetation soil. bare any covering vegetation plant nurseries, the native contact also may You Okanagan. the to plants well-adapted a list of A for Appendix See further pages (see for information a landscaping professional Association, or Xeriscape Okanagan VEGETATION PROTECTION FOR DRIP LINES LINES DRIP FOR PROTECTION VEGETATION
not require supplemental watering once established to prevent additional runoff or water near a a near runoff additional water or prevent to established once watering supplemental require not inaccessible are and ground the to property low that are on your structures have If you structure. tryunderneath, perimeter. the planting around Periodic mowing, pruning, and replacement of plants is needed. Inspect the foundation to ensure ensure to foundation the Inspect plants is needed. of and replacement pruning, mowing, Periodic as it can a minimum fertilization to Keep foundation. or structure eroding or saturating is not water manufacturer’s the follow carefully in runoff. nutrients fertilize, do always If you excess to contribute rain. forecasted prior to or apply in excess and never instructions Maintenance: USES: BELOW ROOF EAVES, UNDER DECKS OR OTHER ELEVATED STRUCTURES ELEVATED OR OTHER UNDER DECKS EAVES, ROOF USES: BELOW installed. gutters have not that do eaves below ground is the it surface runoff. roofs that receives For elevated any below area is the line A drip boards). deck the and below between area the (e.g., drips through surfaces water where underneath the area it is elevated and other decks For cover protective The erosion. and reduce soil exposed protect to a barrier create to intended are in this section described techniques drip-line The of runoff-induced in This is critical where effectiveness soil. areas the the reduce could back into SINK runoff erosion it to and allows SLOWS also of debris. amounts large to due overflow frequently gutters where addition a great is also protection Drip-line support and footings. structures DRIP-LINE PROTECTION PROTECTION DRIP-LINE CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 23 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO ensure thatthe ground slopes slightly(1-2%)AWAY from the structure for aminimum of1.5 m(5ft). material willreduce maintenance andincrease effectiveness. You alsoneed to geotextile fabric beneath therock andthen bordering the rock withwood or other like to achieve desired aesthetic effects onyour property. Installingnon-woven rock from beingmoved by rainfall. However, you canuse any kindofrock you drain rock 2to 4cm(3/4into 1-1/2in)deep isanadequate size to prevent the This treatment prevents erosion to and allows infiltrate. runoff Pouring washed roof,of atwo-story and 61 cm(24 in)beyond the eaves roof. ofathree-story (12 in)beyond theeaves roof, of asingle-story 46cm(18 in)beyond the eaves treatment must extend 15 inside theeave cm(6in) and a minimum of 30.5cm Install gravel ormulch under the dripline ataminimum depth of 8cm(3in).This erosion andpromote infiltrationinto soils withhighpermeability (sandysoils). Roof driplines: Wood chips,mulch, or gravel canbeused to protect soil from HARDSCAPE PROTECTION FOR DRIP LINES DO DO
USING RAIN ASARESOURCE Make sure rock iswashed. Use rock from alocal quarry. Use existing rock or mulch from your property. structure or the foundation. Remove fallen leaves from mulch. Inspect your home frequently to ensure thatwater isnot saturating or eroding either the Periodic replacement ofgravel ormulch may be needed. Weeds should be pulled when small andbefore they go to seed. Maintenance: slopes slightly(1-2%)AWAY from thestructure for aminimum of 1.5 m(5ft). material willreduce maintenance, helpcontrol weeds, and increase effectiveness. You also want to ensure thatthe ground vegetation established. Installingnon-woven geotextile fabric beneath the rock andthen bordering the rock withwood or other reduce erosion to potential. installdrain rock Itisonlynecessary under andaround these structures ifthere isnot adequate approximately 30.5cm(1foot) wide around the outside perimeter and of the structures. Thistreatment willslow runoff your thatare low property to the ground andare inaccessible underneath, installan8cm(3in)layer of rock or other mulch of drain rock under the entire footprint of the structure andextend pastitsedge. Ifyou have 30cm(one ft) structures on drip lines: Deck/stair To protect thesoilunder elevated andwalkways decks, stairs, from erosion, installan8cm(3in)layer DON’T
Allow runoff toAllow flow runoff TOWARD thehouse orstructure. Use rock under 2cm(3/4in)in size. CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 24
E-M $-$$$ USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN are small-to-medium-sized containers placed outside buildings and connected to to containers and connected buildings outside placed small-to-medium-sized are Use rainwater regularly (e.g. water indoor plants). plants). indoor water (e.g. regularly rainwater Use advantage. your to gravity Use possible. where barrels multiple Use breeding. mosquito and up build debris prevent to covered Keep debris. or pets, children, rodents, mosquitos, for access Allow drinking. for Use needles, pine leaves, (e.g., debris excessive with roofs from water Capture droppings). bird or
DON’T DO Maintenance: collected debris and leaves of and removal after draining regular rainstorms require Rain barrels with an attached rainbarrel of the top the near outlet is an overflow that there Ensure screens. on away and directed is clear overflow that the check Always away. water excess take to pipe or hose a runoff or to sure Be vegetation swale). nearby location (e.g. an appropriate to foundation the from crack it. may water of and freezing expansion because winter for barrel and drain the divert water RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS SYSTEMS COLLECTION RAINWATER ROOFS FROM AND STOREUSES: COLLECT WATER it. storing temporarily by down water opportunity SLOW to is an excellent collection Rainwater off drained or options non-potable after other irrigation or slowly for reused can be water Captured flooding. and reduced infiltration for allow to events storm RAIN BARRELS barrels Rain many have barrels Rain applications. non-potable in use runoff collect later to for downspouts roof to easy and are very up inexpensive, are space, little take They settings. in urban advantages runoff of off-site. volume the and reduce moving conserveinstall. Rain barrels water Sediment and debris that that and debris Sediment in the cornerscollect and gutters of edges support and of bacteria the growth could that organisms other contaminate rainwater. gutter rounded Because edges fewer systems have square-cornered their than provide counterparts, they rainwater for water cleaner catchment systems. DID YOU DID YOU KNOW? CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 25 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO DO
certain tank types. certain Keep underground tanksaminimum of ¼full atalltimes to prevent collapsing of Use gravity to your advantage wherever possible. Secure tankswithstrapsfor protection from earthquakes andother movement. Check withyour localmunicipality or regional districtto see ifyou require apermit. WATER TANKS (CISTERNS) and directed to anappropriate location. Inspect allseams for leaks. Follow allmanufacturers’ recommended maintenance for any storage device. leaks andcracks.Checkallconnections andhosesfor wear, and allscreens ormeshfor debris accumulation andholes.Make sure overflow isclear Remove accumulated sediment anddebris annually andinspect allcomponents regularly. The inside ofthe tankmust also be inspected. Look for Maintenance: Basic components of arainwater collection system are: licensed professional for tankinstallations under these conditions. tanks inlocations withhighwater tables or saturated clay soils.Contact anexperienced they have been engineered for thatpurpose. Extraprecautions may be needed when placing install underground systems beneath the pathofvehicles traffic unless or heavy machinery An underground tankisanexcellent option for areas withlimited space. However, do not other landscape features. Get creative! walls. Tanks asthe foundation canalsobe hidden under decks or serve for play structures or Larger tankscanbedesigned to alsofunction asprivacy screens, fences, orsmallretaining pump for may best performance. benecessary devices, instead relying ongravity flow. However, depending on the desired use for the water, a volume. Both waterand reduce runoff tanksand rainbarrels canbe used without pumping different space constraints. Tanks canbe used withmost guttered roofs to collect runoff and below ground. Some tankscome assectional pieces thatcanbe put together to fit residential, commercial, or applications. industrial Water tankscanbe installed both above Water are manufactured (cisterns) tanks water storage for containers non-potable use in
First-flush device:First-flush Recommended but optional. Mesh screens on tanksorbarrels anddownspout openings. bacteria growth.edges. Thissediment cansupport because they are less likely to and collect sediment incorners Gutters anddownspouts: Round gutters arerecommended options. Thisisnormally aroof, but there areCatchment other surface: USING RAIN ASARESOURCE DON’T
Collect roof water from areas prone to large amounts ofdebris (leaf litter, etc.). Collect water from cedar or highlydegraded roofs. Place water tanksbelow ground unlessthey are approved for thisuse. Place tanksonsteep hillsides.
Filters andpumps (optional). Faucet andvalve. than, theinflow pipe to avoid backup. Overflow device: Thisshould be equal to, or larger indiameter Water tankvent. on-site. Water tanks:There are various options including manufacturing CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 26 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN
Allow water to pond near foundations. near pond to water Allow impervious or other surfaces that driveways to water Direct the street. to drain directly
DON’T E-M $-$$ is a great option (Drought Buster East Connect is pictured at upper left) at upper is pictured East Connect a Buster that allows (Drought option is a great A HOSE ADAPTER locations different to moved be The hose can then a downspout. to directly connect to hose garden standard becoming too from area one any or keeping trees watering it rains. It is perfect when for yard your of landscape. the through SPREAD out to water the allowing by saturated of runoff initial impact the reducing by SLOW to left at outlets are placed photo) (lower DISSIPATORS ROCK filling like options creative easy several are there outlets runoff. downspout velocity high For concentrated, by surrounded on the ground placing rock or with pebbles drain holes) have (it must a large plant container option) containers Large drip line). an inexpensive are barrels (1/2 wine rock a (similar to border a wood that the sure Make well. work also gravel) chips or (wood mulch of plants and a thick layer with established foundation. your from away flows the pots under from drainage prevent to sized properly be must rock cm (8 in) in diameter, 20 culverts over pipes with drain outlets or For velocity high for is typically recommended rock Angular underneath. fabric with filter and placed movement broken or rock rounded than water the to slow capacity a greater and has it locks in place because flows an evenly hand forming laid by carefully be should Rock edges. smooth some have to which tends concrete a qualified contact to It is highly advisable rocks. the between or basin with no spaces depression lined a will need a waterway into that drain directly outlets any at done Work assistance. design for professional permit. Direct downspouts to vegetated areas or rock dissipators. rock or areas vegetated to downspouts Direct property. your on ALL outlets Protect
DO are simple devices that reduce the initial force of the water at the outlets and allow it to SPREAD out into an an into SPREAD out it to allow and outlets at the water the of initial force the that reduce devices simple are GUARDS SPLASH soil. the to and SINK back in infiltration area an appropriate or of vegetation area USES: DOWNSPOUT, PIPE, OR CULVERT OUTLETS OR CULVERT PIPE, USES: DOWNSPOUT, water release not should Outlets pipes. and parts downspouts of outlet is the system a drainage of overlooked most the of One impervious surface hardened onto eliminates discharging water hand, other On the erosion. to prone an area to or soil bare onto All of challenges. set a new creating and streams, to streets that is directed water of velocity the and increases infiltration to work below The techniques protection. outlet of type some surfaces erodible have should soils or other that drain onto outlets soil. the it can SINK back into so it out SPREAD and/or down water SLOW OUTLET PROTECTION PROTECTION OUTLET CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 27 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO DO DON’T
options. organic and try contamination, prevent water tofertilization Minimize appropriate. tolerant plantsas native or drought Use Okanagan foundation. to your home’s garden too close Place the rain kind. pesticides of any or Use fertilizers overflow device. soils without an tables orclay with highwater garden insoils Use arain discouraged (and should be largely unnecessary). appropriate vegetation andproper soilreduces theneed for excessive water and overall maintenance. and pesticides ofany Fertilizers kind are months andweeding needs to during hotirrigation may and dry be included inongoing maintenance. be necessary The use ofnative, site- become established (canbe up to two years or even weather Annualpruning and mulching are recommended. Additional persists. longer ifhot, dry Routine ofthe regular yard upkeep maintenance. is required aspart and canbe performed Weeding andirrigation are essential until plants Maintenance: slope. They should also be designed to to drainwithin48hours reduce the riskof standingwater andmosquito breeding. contact information). Raingardens should be located atleast 3m(10 from from your aseptic system ft) house and atleast 12m(40ft) or steep the garden. Contact your localnursery, knowledgeable innative anddrought-tolerant species, for advice on what plantsto use (see page room for shrubs. Also, from adesign perspective, ringingthe garden withshrubs could make itdifficult to see smallerperennials inthe centre of to plantavariety of native evergreen anddeciduous shrubs thatprefer drier soil. Ifyou are putting inonly asmallraingarden, you may not have occasional standingwater thatmay occur during major storms (see Appendix Afor suggested edges, you may plants).At the furthermost want Plant the centre of the garden withspecies thattolerate wetter conditions, such asnative sedges andrushes. Around these, put plantssuited to drains thatcanbe added. engineered features, such asspecialized soil mixtures, anaggregate base, andsubsurface or areas withinsufficient infiltration, there Forare a full spectrum of large amounts of runoff to capture, the slope of the land,andthe type of soil onyour property, among other factors. The required size, shape, anddepth ofthe garden depends onhow much water you are trying compost and20%soil. needs soil thathasahighsandcontent (60%or higher iftheon-site soil isheavy clay), 20% consideration when araingarden. designing Araingarden important selection isalsoavery Vegetationsituation of beingon amarsh). needs to be chosen withthisinmind.Proper soil In the Okanagan, inthe summer (except your raingarden be dry inthe unusual willmostoften and are easily incorporated into existing landscapesor open space. the aesthetic value of asite; be used onsmallparcels of land,easements, andright-of-ways; reduce erosion onyour andprotect property the water quality of localcreeks. They canenhance pollutants before they enter storm drainsandwaterways. Rain gardens are abeautiful way to during the springmelt. Raingardensslow also use plantsto runoff filter the water, removing Okanagan, raingardens canalso be used to capture snow during the winter and retain and driveways, and allows water surfaces or other impervious to SINKbackinto the ground. Inthe A rain garden isaspecialized landscape design thatcaptures stormwater from roofs, runoff USES: ROOF, WALKWAY, DRIVEWAY, ORPARKING AREARUNOFF RAIN GARDENS USING RAIN ASARESOURCE $-$$ E-M
54 for for CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 28 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN
) or other infiltration area. They can be formed to fit almost all site to fit almost all site formed can be They area. infiltration other ) or 27 E-M permeable material below the soil mixture further the soil mixture below is more infiltration. Installing a bioswale enhances material permeable is recommended. a professional from so assistance swale vegetated a simple difficult than constructing slope) (longitudinal end beginning to from a minimum 2% slope use swale, installing a vegetated When be should swale in the Vegetation destination. a desired and to structures any from away water convey to soil the Once water. of can withstand the movement roots so storms, the first winter before established as small, temporary function carrying streams swales is saturated, runoff them beneath a rain garden, to large that receive areas for recommended are not location. Swales safe other or area, infiltration wetland, functioning. it from and stop swale that can fill the of sediment amounts Maintenance: is it well-established, are the plants in a swale Before is required. swales of vegetated maintenance Regular materials. control erosion other matting or with straw protected be and must erosion to vulnerable extremely late in the mowing consists of Maintenance it established. get to watering careful will need vegetation The debris clearing and areas, bare reseeding control, weed 8 cm [3 in] or higher), (to september spring and late regularly be should swales The is established. swale the once irrigate Do not sediment. and accumulated uniformity the When slope. in width and uniformity and for of gullies, formation of water, pools for inspected in or sloughing by down breaking is not swale the ensure to quickly corrected be it should is compromised meandering. $-$$
before installing a before bioswale. Use Okanagan native native Okanagan Use tolerant drought plants or plants. a professional Consult Use fertilizersUse or unless pesticides necessary. absolutely Place too close to your your to close too Place foundation. home’s Walk or drive machinery drive or Walk in the swale directly soil as this will cause compaction.
DO DON’T Bioswales are vegetated swales that use engineered materials (usually a designed soil mix consisting of sand, loam soil and hardwood and hardwood soil mix consisting of sand, loam soil a designed (usually materials engineered that use swales vegetated are Bioswales runoff peak similar are their functions Although runoff reduce control and rates. volume, quality, water improve to swale the beneath mulch) other or gravel Adding removal. and pollutant removal, nutrient retention, water capacity for a greater have bioswales swales, vegetated to VEGETATED SWALES VEGETATED channel in the vegetation The channel. of the and sides bottom the along grasses perennial with native planted are swales Vegetated waterbodies in plant growth excessive that can cause nutrients excess remove and can help out, filter runoff, to sediments slows allows (eutrophication). USES: ROOF, WALKWAY, DRIVEWAY, OR PARKING AREA RUNOFF; LOW TO MODERATELY SLOPED HILLSIDES SLOPED TO MODERATELY LOW AREA RUNOFF; OR PARKING DRIVEWAY, WALKWAY, USES: ROOF, saturated, Once flows. low during soil the SINK into it to and allow it out SPREAD down, water SLOW to designed channels shallow are Swales (page garden as a rain such outlet a safe to water convey swales SWALES SWALES conditions and landowner objectives. Depending on the landscape and available space, swales can have a meandering or nearly straight straight nearly or a meandering can have swales space, and available landscape on the Depending objectives. and landowner conditions the aiding thus swale, in the spends water time the is that its twists increase and turns swale a meandering to An advantage alignment. dry called (sometimes rock-lined vegetated, systems: of swale types three are and infiltration. There and sediments, trapping of pollutants and basin’ swales). or ‘berm fill’ and ‘cut (also called drains), and contour diversion or beds creek CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 29 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO DON’T DO
weeds to grow. to accumulate or Allow leaf litter vegetation. seeds from nearby from leaves or be alot of debris Use where there will foundation. to your home’s Place too close device. without anoverflow saturated clay soils high water tablesor Install insoils with beneath the rock. geotextile fabric Use non-woven erosion or clog. does not cause Make sure the outlet from alocal quarry. Use washed rock available. from your if property Use existing rock dish detergent spray canbe used on ahot sunny day to control weeds. Remove weeds when smallandbefore they goto seed. Avinegar/salt/ Periodically remove leaves and replace rocks moved flow. by surface Maintenance: the rocks thatwillbe needed to prevent movement anderosion. geotextile fabric underneath the rock. Thesteeper the swale, the larger tostructures andto use non-woven adesired destination. important Itis end (longitudinal slope) to ensure thatwater isconveyed away from any When installingaswale use aminimum2%slope from beginningto sediment, andre-generate thebed’s infiltrationability. replacing the rock withvegetation. The vegetation willcapture the For driveways withhigher sediment content andother consider surfaces sediment willtravel straightthrough andlittle infiltration willbe achieved. because the rock iseasilyplugged withsediment. Eventually,runoff the Rock-lined swales are better for rather thandriveway cleaner roof runoff landscape feature thatmimicsacreek bed. Most are designed withrounded rockrunoff. for anaesthetically pleasing rock instead of grassor other vegetation to safely infiltrate and convey A rock-lined creek bed ordiversion swale drain)uses (also known asadry DIVERSION DRAIN) ROCK-LINED SWALE (DRY CREEKBEDOR irrigation. boomerangs to provide adequate water so trees do not require constant act to rainwater. preserve Ditches and diversion drains canbe directed to of the boomerang andfilled withmulch to create amulch basinthatwill system isalso known asanet andpansystem. Trees are planted upslope the overflow from one boomerang flows into two other boomerangs. This mound andditchsystems. They throughout are dispersed aslope so Similar to swales, boomerangs are smallsemi-circle water harvesting BOOMERANGS USING RAIN ASARESOURCE (Rainwater andBeyond Harvesting for Drylands , Volume 2,2ndEdition,p66.) Boomerang bermsto focus water aroundtreesand contour bermsbelow onhillsides CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 30 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN Passively irrigate a landscape by doing the work to capture and effectively distribute water. distribute and effectively capture to work the doing by a landscape irrigate Passively groundwater. the recharge to helping landscape, the into sink water and Slow land. sloped reforest to and help Regenerate further streams it reaches before downhill. water purify to Help
Diagram credit: Gordon Hiebert.Diagram credit: Gordon CONTOUR SWALE (‘BERM AND BASIN’ OR ‘CUT AND FILL’ SWALE) SWALE) AND FILL’ OR ‘CUT AND BASIN’ (‘BERM SWALE CONTOUR A contour swale requires no maintenance and can: and can: maintenance no requires swale A contour By simply working with two of water’s natural behaviours (that water always flows downhill and that and that downhill flows always (that water behaviours natural water’s of with two working By simply harvesting that method water a passive can design you state), level a reach to work will always water longer. property the on for water keeps A contour swale usually consists of two parts: an excavated basin and a raised berm positioned on the the on positioned berm raised a and basin parts: two of consists usually swale excavated an contour A earth the of made can be and the water that was slow to helps berm basin. The the of side downhill used. be can also rock or brush basin, however the form to excavated A contour swale (also known as a ‘berm and basin’ or ‘cut and fill’ swale), is similar to a vegetated vegetated a to is similar swale), ‘cut and fill’ and basin’ or as a ‘berm known (also swale A contour natural the follows and perfectly be level, to it is designed however, it is also a trench; in that swale (and elevation equal an at that are points as all on a slope is defined A contour of a slope. contours while slope a steep represent close together that are lines contour On a map, the level). therefore further that are lines apart ground. flatter depict This type of berm and basin system should only be used on slopes that are less than a 5% grade (less than a 20:1 slope) and should be sized for for sized be and should than a 20:1 slope) (less than a 5% grade less that are on slopes used be only should and basin system of berm This type firstout the contour map swale, installing a contour to a DIY approach For event). storm a 1 in 200-year example (for event stormwater maximum the to inexpensive and which is easy level, water Bunyip a this, use do To swale. your see to like would you where area approximate the surveying by lines One end. one person sticks and each on to holds yard long two to plastic is attached tubing Essentially, use. to people two and only requires construct, is located. number/level same the until landscape, the around walks other while the location in the person stays CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 31 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO and restoring base flows in nearby creeks. Infiltration trenches also help pollutants and alleviate to filter runoff the negative environmental impacts stormwater They into andSINK it are designed to runoff. the soil, restoring capture runoff infiltration function, replenishing groundwater supplies Infiltration trenches, INFILTRATION TRENCHES care must betaken to ensure the infiltration structure isproperly sited, designed, constructed, andmaintained. stormwater reaches theaquifer to avoid groundwater contamination. Therefore, extreme a minimum depth of underlying soil (above the water table) to filter pollutants before by sitealso vary location.Success relies onproper design, appropriate soil typesand shallow depending on the season. (‘perched’) Soil types and ground or vary disturbance without aword on groundwater protection. Insome areas, the water table may be Groundwater protection: Adiscussion ofinfiltrationstructures would be incomplete structure. for aninfiltration structure because ittypicallydoes not have sediment thatcanclog the quality by removing sediment andpollutants. Downspout water the best source isoften help to enhance base flows innearbyvolume,improve and creeks, reduce runoff water well. Inaddition topit, drainage well, anddry recharging groundwater, they canalso They go by many names including: rock pit:French seepage infiltrationgallery; drain; stormwater andallow itto infiltrateinto thesurrounding soil for groundwater recharge. structures Infiltration UNDEVELOPED AREARUNOFF, LOW TOMODERATELY SLOPED AREAS USES: ROOF RUNOFF, WALKWAYS OROTHER HARDSCAPES, VEGETATED AND/OR INFILTRATION STRUCTURES USING RAIN ASARESOURCE including rock pitsandFrench drains,are fabric-lined, rock filled trenches orshallow rock-filled pitsthat receive andinfiltrate FRENCH DRAIN are typicallyunderground storage designed to chambers collect prevent cloggingand possible failure. because itremovesimportant suspended solids before they enter the trenchto conjunction withother techniques thatpre-treat the stormwater. Pretreatment is failure need ofthe trench. Inaddition, infiltration trenches often to be used in Proper site conditions are criticalto avoid groundwater contamination andpossible consultation in withaqualifiedinstallation should only be undertaken professional. benefits of installinganinfiltration trench are considerable, but the design and of peakstorm flows such as erosion. The potential and environmental property $$$ C Source: Southeastern WSisconsin Regional PlanningCommission,1991. TYPICAL DEEPINFILTRATIONTYPICAL TRENCH CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 32 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN Attempt to install without a site analysis. install without a site to Attempt or input with high sediment in an area an infiltration structure Build slopes. excessive (3 ft) metre than one pit that is greater or Install a trench deep.
DON’T , typically referred to as dry wells, are nearly identical in principal and design to a trench a trench as dry to design in principal and identical nearly are to wells, , typically referred Infiltration structures are not for all sites and only a professionally performed site analysis performed analysis site a professionally only and all sites for Infiltration are not structures Consult a professional before considering installation. considering before a professional Consult building. analysis before site a thorough Perform constructed. and designed professionally structure infiltration the Have maintenance. regular Plan on restrictions limitations or site requirements, permitting if any Determine begin. you before project your apply to
DO Regular maintenance is required for the proper operation of an infiltration structure but maintenance maintenance but structure of an infiltration operation proper the for is required maintenance Regular planning Future and constructed. designed is properly structure if the reasonable are requirements the that pre-treat techniques associated any for requirements maintenance account into take also should performance as acceptable well as schedule and maintenance inspection a specific and include stormwater be should infiltration structure the year, first that in the recommend guidelines General guidelines. After properly. confirm that it is functioning to events precipitation major and after during several inspected from removed be should and plant debris Garbage year. a twice at least inspected be it should year, firstthe to and properly surfacethe functions it ensure to (dry pits of infiltration specifically basis regular on a wells) a partially 72 hours. drain within should infiltration structure functioning Even A properly clogging. prevent that the indicates If inspection breeding. mosquito favours that water standing to can lead trench clogged the identify to immediately a professional consult clogged, is partially structure infiltration or completely maintained or designed sited, an improperly for failure of The probability repair requirements. and problem 100%. or pit is nearly trench infiltration Maintenance: Maintenance: Infiltration pits Infiltration start must pit or trench AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS:SITE infiltration an of Consideration thorough, a with percolation types, if soil examine carefully should analysis site The analysis. performed site professionally are table groundwater to and depth systems, and septic wells roads, from setbacks required rates, appropriate. but are typically smaller and vertical (a “pit”). Like a trench, they have similar design, pre-construction pre-construction design, similar have they a trench, and vertical smaller typically are but Like (a “pit”). minimal space with installed can be is that they advantage The requirements. and analysis evaluation site considered. be that must requirements and site setback have pits also that infiltration Note requirements. quantity property if your determine can is suitable. quality, runoff also consider analysis should The water that analysis indicates If the solids. suspended remove to will be required pre-treatment or not and whether should You professional. a qualified by installed and designed be should the trench is appropriate, site the if determine analysis to site the before agency planning or building appropriate the notify to sure be also or restrictions. limitations, site requirements, permitting special any are there INFILTRATION PITS (DRY WELLS) WELLS) PITS (DRY INFILTRATION CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 33 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO DON’T DO
excessive slopes. Use on landwith a mulch basin before constructing Beyond book and Drylands forHarvesting the Rainwater professional or Consult a around outside. lower water need Place plantswith around theoutside. placed withinthe basinwhile plants withlower water needs are best placed the mature widthofthe tree canopy. Plantswithhigher water needs can be the mulch basinto be effective, the diameter should be slightlywider than strength to use it,andsome pipe ifyou are using water from downspouts. For Mulch basinsare easyandquick to install,requiring onlyashovel, the plants itsupplies, once the plants are established. basin isdesigned correctly, itcanactasthe soleirrigation source for the water andincreasing greater drainage inareas with rainfall. When amulch 50% compared to araised bed garden, whichismore suitable for releasing A mulch basingarden canreduce the water needs of alandscape by upto and downspouts.than the hard surfaces directed to one ormore mulch basins,aslong asthe basinispositioned lower from such asdriveways, hard surfaces sidewalks orcurb-less streets, canbe and improve soil fertility. Rainwater from water downspouts, alongwithrunoff the leaves thatfall withinitto reduce evaporation, increase water infiltration This technique isbest used on flator gradually slopingland.Mulchbasins use the Indigenous A:shiwi(orZuni) people of New Mexico. traditional rainwater anderosion harvesting control techniques developed by or shrub. The basintechnique was inspired through of the observation slow andsinkwater thegrowth to of support vegetation andacentral tree depression withalevel Itisdesigned to base, duginto help the earth. knownA mulch basin,otherwise asaninfiltration basin,isashallow AND ACENTRALTREEORSHRUB USES: SLOW ANDSINK WATER OFVEGETATION TOSUPPORT GROWTH MULCH BASINS USING RAIN ASARESOURCE $-$$ E-M Maintenance: Rainwater andBeyond Harvesting for Drylands so cold-intolerant plantsmay needto beplanted outsideofbaisins.Illustrationfrom Planting according to water seedsandtolerance. Note: Coldairpoolsinlow spots Rainwater and Beyond Harvesting for Drylands Infiltration basinwith spillway, showing depthmeasurement.Illustration from Higher water needs/tolerance
prunings to the basin. by keeping fallen leaves inplace and adding cut-up pieces of Reapply mulch asitdecomposes- dothiseasily, andfor free, vegetation. Stabilize basinedges withrock, orbulky boulders, where people may have through cut corners the basin. pathsCheck basinedges periodically thatadjoin curved stabilize basinedges heavyCheck mulchbasinsafter rains–you may need to Lower water needs/tolerance , Volume 2,2ndEdition,p131. , Volume 2,2ndEdition, p121 andp127. needs/tolerance Lowest water CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 34 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN Use in areas with high sediment with high sediment in areas Use areas. porous that can clog loads Use only in gravelly sand, loamy sand, loamy in gravelly only Use pervious soils. other sand or native or in between Plant vegetation pavers. around
DON’T DO M-C $$-$$$ Maintenance: Maintenance: The maintain permeability. helps broom bristle or a hard with a shop vac sweeping Annual clogging. prevent to of sediment clear area the Keep easily lifted are pervious and reset, Because replenishment. pavers gravel and sand or weeding occasional require may pavers gaps between or replace. repair to easy are they PAVER STONES/FLAG STONES STONES STONES/FLAG PAVER shapes in come various They a sand base. over installed and material other or stone brick, pre-cast of made normally are concrete, stones Paver the runoff more SINK into allow to to designed are stones paver Permiable patterns. and shapes different and can form interlock and normally Each infiltration. maximum for stones placed between distance ideal the that ensures has a spacer Each paver pavers. than traditional ground A low-growing soil. the on directly placed be and may larger are Flag stones water. of the infiltration allow to with gaps between is placed piece lots, such as parking areas in high use used can be Pavers infiltration. greater for allow to flag stones between planted be may cover ground patios and walkways. Pervious materials are path, patio or driveway surfacing materials that allow runoff to pass through and SINK back into the soil. Some popular choices popular Some soil. the SINK back into and runoff pass through surfacing that allow to materials or driveway patio path, are Pervious materials the application. Since any almost pervious now are There for options turf stones, and pavements. asphalts block and permeable paver are or retailer local your contact use, on installation and specifics For generally. them discuss will only we rapidly, is growing of options variety manufacturer. product USES: WALKWAYS, PATIOS, PARKING AREAS AND DRIVEWAYS AREAS PARKING PATIOS, USES: WALKWAYS, PERVIOUS HARDSCAPES HARDSCAPES PERVIOUS CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 35 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO experienced inthese materials ishighlyrecommended andmay even be required insome jurisdictions. construction techniques to pavements. ensure the effective ofpervious are necessary performance Hiringalicensed contractor paversAlthough installationisbecoming easier andpervious are acost-effective alternative to traditional paving, appropriate residential parking areas, anddriveways. above the seasonally highgroundwater table andatleast30m(100 away ft) from drinking water wells. Ideal uses include walkways, willbe ableto infiltrate pavementrunoff throughPervious the entire surface. should belocated aminimum of 0.6 ft)to 1.5 m(2 to 5 per hour) to be considered concrete for installations. pervious The bottom of the rock should be completely base/reservoir flatsothat pavements concrete. including porous The asphaltand underlying pervious soilmust be permeable (between 1.3 to 8cm[0.5to 3in] layer underneath andpollutants are naturally filtered (or through porous) the underlying soil.There are different types of pervious pavementsPervious The contain pore spaces thatallowwater infiltration ofrunoff. seeps through the material to a rock base PERVIOUS PAVEMENT/ASPHALT choices) aswell and weeding. asirrigation, fertilization blockmayPlanted require turf regular mowing (depending on plant Maintenance: long term parking inhibitssunlight required for plantgrowth. of irrigation andmaintenance demands and, ifthey are planted, gravel orcobble. They are not ideal for everyday parking, because driveways and walkways. Sometimes the pores are filled with can be filled withsand or planted. They provide stability soil for Turf block (concrete blocks withholes) and similarproducts TURF BLOCK USING RAIN ASARESOURCE recommendations. the manufacturer’s maintenance and pressure washing. Always follow options may include power blowing of the pavements. Other cleaning to remove debris from thesurface for larger areas, may be necessary using ashopvac orspecialized vacuum other debris. Vacuuming annually, Keep clear of soil,rocks, leaves, and Maintenance: DO DO DON’T DON’T
Treat surrounding bare soil areas by or mulching. planting your site. Consult aprofessional to recommend adesign customized to Use only ingravelly sand,loamy soils. sand or other pervious Choose low water grasses such asEnviro-turf or Eco-lawn. Seal or repave withnon-porous materials. Use inareas where there isapossibility ofsanddrifts. Aerate. drought-tolerant grasses). will be impaired for mostof the day (unless you are planting Use inhightrafficareas or parking areas where the sunlight CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 36 SLOPE GRADIENT GRADIENT SLOPE CONVERSION TABLE DID YOU YOU DID KNOW? There is much when confusion the “steepness” to referring sometimes of slope. We in measured a slope find a as other times degrees and percentage 20% slope). (e.g. a the percentage out figure To the rise use would you slope, instance For formula. run over distancea of 30.5 cm (one horizontallyfoot) 30.5 with a that rise over cm (one foot) the you distance give would slope. 1/1 or 100% formula or angle The equivalent 45° angle. be a degree would The chart easy is an below table calculate to conversion to % grade the equivalent degree of slope. USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN
Use recycled material whenever possible. whenever material recycled Use organic materials. of free rock Keep Use straw mulch near stream channels. stream near mulch straw Use areas. prone in fire mulch wood chunky Use Use wood chips from diseased trees. diseased chips from wood Use
DO DON’T E $-$$
Maintenance: the prevent to regularly raked be should rock or Gravel siding. building cm (6 in) from 15 at least materials organic any Keep organic materials. of buildup Mulching is a simple and beneficial conservation practice you can use in your yard. Mulch acts as a protective layer of material material of layer as a protective acts Mulch yard. your in use can conservationyou and beneficial is a simple Mulching practice chips, and similar materials bark needles, as grass clippings, pine organic -- such can be soil. Mulches the of top that is spread on erosion, from soil as protecting such benefits has many brick chips. Mulching and gravel, pea as stones, inorganic -- such -- or and temperature, soil rains, conserving maintaining an even of heavy moisture, soil impact the from compaction reducing established. becomes vegetation until supplemental cover as temporary useful It is also ground growth. weed preventing MULCH (ROCK, WOOD CHIPS, OR OTHER MATERIALS) OR OTHER CHIPS, WOOD (ROCK, MULCH USES: TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT SOIL COVER, LOW USE WALKWAYS, AND SLOPE PROTECTION AND SLOPE WALKWAYS, USE LOW SOIL COVER, PERMANENT AND USES: TEMPORARY runoff down and thus SLOWING to is key soil bare cover to mulches other or chips, gravel wood and/or Using vegetation a good are Mulches erosion. and reducing downstream, carried being from sediment soil, preventing preserving top valuable Certain with LESS THAN a 33% slope. areas Junipers, spreading (e.g., Bearberry/ Sumac, for choice of vegetation types used. be also should terracing cases in many 50%, but of LESS THAN on slopes used Kinnickinnick) can be GROUND COVERS COVERS GROUND CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 37 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO a well-maintained xeriscape garden. organisms inyour in garden and these chemicals are unnecessary as they cankillor disrupt native insects, birds, andother beneficial and overall maintenance. Use ofpesticides isnot recommended appropriate plantings greatly reduces the need for fertilizer, water, The use ofnative andnon-native drought-tolerant andsite- hour depending on soil type. needs greatly to approximately once every 5-7days for about 1 irrigation andmulchingwillhelp prevent thisandreduce watering tolerant plantsshould not be allowed out completely. to dry Drip is mostcriticalwhen plantsare getting established. Even drought- Routine maintenance needed is for any season plantings.The first Maintenance: that work inxeriscape gardens andwithnative plantspecies. that have cultural requirements similarto the native species you plant.Native usually alsostock plantnurseries non-native ornamental plants In choosing non-native plants,be careful not to plantany thatmay spread from your garden (see Appendix Afor examples). Instead, select plants and amount ofmoisture inthisarea. Native plants also combine well withawide rangeof non-native plantswithsimilarcultural requirements. and assistnative wildlife (birds, insects, butterflies, etc.), many ofwhichhelp keep your garden healthy, andthey are adapted to the soil, climate Native region you plants(plantsthatare indigenous, ornaturalized, live to in)are agreat choice. the They particular are beautiful, they attract Refer to Appendix Afor alistof plantsthatare suited to the Okanagan. knowledgeable innative and drought-tolerantnursery species bestsuited for these functions. (see page USING RAIN ASARESOURCE and help slopes. stabilize Contact the Okanagan Xeriscape Association oralocal plant stormwater choose plantsthatimprove runoff, filter pollutants, infiltration, decrease runoff, microclimates on asite are termed “site appropriate.” For the purpose of improving to know their solar, soil, andmoisture requirements. Plantsthatdowell inspecific owners select plantmaterialsWhile most property for their form andcolor, itisessential When selecting plantsfor to the site understand alandscape, itisimportant conditions. infiltrates withlittle orno runoff. water infiltration. A drip irrigation system provides slow of water delivery to plants,so water and twigsreduce the impact ofrain,andthe organic matter they add to the soilimproves erosion control. Their roots knittogether to hold thesoilinplace. Their leaves, needles Plants cover and protect the soil.Once established, plantsprovide excellent long-term VEGETATION/PLANTING DON’T DO DO
Use chemical fertilizers or pesticides; theyUse chemical fertilizers cancontaminate water. soils. Allow irrigation water to drain to your driveway, the street, or bare Plant highlyflammable vegetation near buildings. list inAppendix B. Plant invasive species such asthose listed inthe “Plantsto Avoid” natural slow release ofnutrients to the plants. Use amulch oforganic matter such ascompost to supply a allow adequate ventilation. Keep plantslocated near foundations andsiding well-pruned to endure periods of saturation (see Appendix Afor examples). Use Okanagan native species ordrought-tolerant plantsthatcan 53
and 54 for contactinformation). CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 38 ) 53 E-M USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN Walk on the erosion control blanket after it is in place. blanket control erosion the on Walk and the soil. blanket the gaps between Allow blanket control erosion the runoffonto concentrated Let flow above. from Make sure to choose the appropriate erosion control blanket blanket control erosion appropriate the choose to sure Make conditions. and use desired the for netting. decomposable Use
DO DON’T $-$$ ) Permanent ECBs can be synthetic or coconut matting. They are are matting. They coconut or synthetic ECBs can be Permanent soil the from through grow to vegetation from shoots allow and permeable the through grow roots and the above from hydroseeded or are beneath the or trees, bushes like vegetation larger For ground. the into medium bury ball. to dug and a hole ECB is cut root the the soil surface ECB, prepare the it is smooth making sure laying Before 0.6 m at least slope, the of top the At contact. maximize soil-blanket to an anchor ditch (called cm (6 in) minimum (2 ft) dig a 15 crest, the from back roll to enough ECB leaving the of top ditch with the the ditch). Line ECB and the over ditch back in fill the Now is filled. ditch the once over roll carefully Next, with staples. and secure the top over extra wrap the ECB vertically water the as the same direction in the slope the down of edges the side Overlap flows. by used blankets contiguous the cm (4 in) and overlap 10 at least Monitor for erosion until vegetation becomes established. Check for proper placement that could that could placement proper for Check established. becomes vegetation until erosion for Monitor as correct and place in remain that overlaps Ensure event. storm a large animals or by disturbed be necessary. Maintenance: Maintenance: It’s important to choose the correct ECB for the site conditions (slope, runoff velocity, and purpose). Ask your local retailer (see page page (see local retailer Ask your and purpose). (slope, runoff conditions site the velocity, It’s important ECB for correct the choose to USES: BARE SOIL COVER AND SLOPE PROTECTION WHILE ESTABLISHING VEGETATION ESTABLISHING WHILE PROTECTION AND SLOPE COVER SOIL USES: BARE bare to protection of a layer add can quickly plantings and new of rate success the improve to tool a good (ECBs) are blankets control Erosion and disturbance soil top runoffdecreasing loss, and soil seed reducing are of ECBs benefits of the Some soils. reducing and speed, volume Temporary ECBs. of installations permanent discuss we In this section, weeds. and suppressing development, plant root encouraging loss, construction. during piles or slopes excavated stabilise to used are and synthetic usually ECBs are s (ECB BLANKETS CONTROL EROSION for help. We have included basic installation instructions, but ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. recommendations. manufacturer’s the follow ALWAYS but basic installation instructions, included have We help. for the overlie should roll 8 cm (3 in). The uphill at least by blankets the of edges and bottom top the 0.6 m (2 ft) every horizontally at a minimum, and vertically blanket, the 1 every Stake roll. downhill If overlap. blanket and downhill an uphill where (3 ft). 30.5 cm (1 foot) every at least metre Stake a cm (4 in) nails and Otherwise, down. 10 is soft, blanket hold the ground the to used can be staples be used. should washer CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 39 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO DON’T DO
advice from professionals such Construct agreen roof without seeking and roofing contractors andsuppliers. architects, green roof manufacturers, landscape as structural engineers, begin construction. what permit(s) you require before you Check withyour localgovernment to see material, capacity, loading etc. and plantsto suit your climate, growing Carefully selectyour growing medium LIVING ROOFS
They reduce the amount ofstormwater andslow itdown, runoff resulting indecreased stress onsewer systems during peak flows. They moderate the temperature of the rainwater andactasnatural filters for any water thatruns off. They retain 70-90%of the precipitation thatfalls on the roof inthe summer; and25-40%inthe winter. They store water intheir growing medium thatisthen absorbed by the plantsandreturned to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration. USING RAIN ASARESOURCE
For more information on livingroofs, please see the resources listed on page have to be replaced especially during the establishment phase. weed growth, needs anduncontrolled plants,disease dead and dying andpests, fertilizing over-growth. Some plantsmay living. Other maintenance activities include inspecting for damage,roots penetrating the membrane, blown-in debris, since the plantsmaywhen the weather ishot not and dry be acclimated to the higher stresses associated withroof and the weather inyour area. Most green roofs willrequire someirrigation to get established. isespecially This important The amount of care required by alivingroof depends on the roof’s exposure, the types ofplants,the growing medium Maintenance: planning anddesigning agreen roof. landscape architects,as structural engineers, green roof manufacturers, androofing contractors when and suppliers tovaries advice from considerably depending on how seek expert relevant itisbuilt. Itisnecessary professionals such of the roof, maintenance expectations, andthe presence or absence of anirrigation system. The cost ofagreen roof roof gets. Plantselection depends on climate, typeanddepth ofgrowing material, loading capacity, height andslope also consider whowillhave access to the roof, who will do maintenance, andwhatkindofsun windexposure the roof, aswell asthenature ofany drainage systems, waterproofing, and electrical and water supplyinplace. You should Before installingalivingroof, you willneed to know the slope, structural loading capacity, andexisting materials of your Living roofs offer several stormwater management benefits: roof system, from thetop down, include: Living roofs USES: ROOF RUNOFF
the roof structure, traditional with insulation either above or below. the waterproofing / roofing membrane, withanintegral root repellent, and a specialized drainage layer, sometimes withbuilt-in water reservoirs, a landscape orfilter cloth theto contain roots andthe growing medium, while allowing for water penetration, an engineered growing medium, specially selectedthe plants,often applications, for particular , also known asgreen roofs, are intentionally vegetated The layers roof surfaces. green of acontemporary $$ M 54 under Green Roofs. CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 40 ). page 26 page Direct water to a neighbour’s property. a neighbour’s to water Direct with in areas drains Install channel debris. leaf of amounts large slopes. steep onto water Outlet property. a neighbour’s to water Direct Direct runoff to erodible surfaces. runoffDirect erodible to slopes. steep onto water Outlet Ensure the drain is large enough so so enough drain is large the Ensure drain and the enters water that most over. flow doesn’t at all outlets. dissipators Install energy angles. 45 degree Install at 30 to Install energy dissipators at all at all dissipators Install energy (see outlets angles. 45 degree Install at 30 to
DO DON’T DO DON’T USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN ). 26
E-M $-$$ SLOTTED CHANNEL DRAIN CHANNEL DRAIN SLOTTED handle to option is another driveway of your width the across drain installed A slotted that transports structure surface to runoff. pipe-like water a metal-grated of It consists installed are drains channel Slotted available. are varieties location. Decorative a safe reasons. aesthetic for surface, appealing more making them driveway with the flush of length foot) 30.5 cm (½ in per cm per than 1.3 less no sloped be drain should The 45 at 30 to angled be also It should and debris. sediment from clogging prevent to WATERBARS and/or redirecting down slowing for that is used bump speed a is essentially A waterbar have runoff break up not that it does so units small runoff. to used are into They it allow and streets from away also divert They water soils. erode to energy enough break, water as a known also earthen an roads, waterbar, unpaved On infiltrate. to that is side downslope the on ridge or with a parallel berm trench a shallow consists of hand, with a backhoe, by constructed can be Waterbars the road. across down angled of an earthen Optimal size iscm (1 foot) 30.5 waterbar tractor. with a blade-equipped or degrees. Although slotted channel drains may be installed on any driveway, they are recommended for driveways with slopes slopes with driveways for recommended are they driveway, any on installed be may drains channel slotted Although degrees. percent. than five greater Ensure that the grate is open before and during storm events (not covered by leaf litter). Check that the outlet is protected, is protected, outlet that the Check litter). leaf by covered (not events storm and during before is open grate that the Ensure freely. drains so water and sediment debris of and clear non-eroding, Maintenance: Keep the outlets clear of debris and sediment so water drains freely. Inspect annually and make necessary earthen annually and make Inspect repairs to that break berms drains freely. so water and sediment debris clear of outlets the Keep erosion. is no there ensure time and over down Maintenance: Maintenance: above the road surface and 15 cm (6 in) below the road surface. Asphalt or cement waterbars can be smaller in size (15 cm cm (15 in size smaller can be surface. road the waterbars Asphalt or cement surface cm (6 in) below road the and 15 above angle and, in most 45 degree at a 30 to installed be should Waterbars of access. ease greater provide thereby 6 in) and or page (see dissipaters with rock protected be should waterbars of outlet the cases, USES: DRIVEWAYS, PRIVATE ROADS PRIVATE USES: DRIVEWAYS, impervious the up breaking surface by divert help sections Smaller sections. smaller down the into area water SLOW to used are drains Cross can be here described runoff. and road techniques The effects driveway the of combat help to ground the it can SINK into a point where to water as such techniques other a road, reconstructing or constructing are If you and unpaved. paved both roads, and driveways existing on installed of this guide. scope the beyond but are used can be outsloping CROSS DRAINS DRAINS CROSS CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 41 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO on the slope above andbelow the wall. the wall. Asalways, vegetation should beestablished Ensure proper drainage methods are usede behind with anapproved wood preservative (not creosote). drainage way. Lumber andposts should be treated base ofaslope andanadjacent road, driveway or than 50percent located andare often between the Wood walls retaining on andabove the wall. perennial plantsbe easier to establish all-important before treatment, possibly alevel terrace, itshould the finished slope behind the wall willbe flatter than around andbehind the rocks and packed in.Since not lean. Asthe wall isbuilt, fill material isplaced uphill, though the wall itself isfreestanding anddoes The external face of the wall should incline slightly least three bearing pointson previously laidrocks. diameter. Afooting trench isdug along the toe are placed inthe trench. Subsequent ofthe slope, andthelargest boulders rocks are laid withat Rock walls retaining We discuss two walls types and ofretaining wood. inthis guide: rock RETAINING WALLS for yournecessary project. Contact information canbe found on page are requiredengineering to expertise build many retaining walls. Always to determine check withyour localplanningdepartment ifapermit is purpose, so always check withaqualified professional before embarking onany wall project for soil retention. Inaddition, abuilding permit and and overall slopes steeper than1.5:1 must be designed by anengineer. There are MANYdifferent types of retaining walls, each withadifferent Retaining walls andterrace walls are constructed treated withboulders, timber, bricksand/or interlocking concrete blocks.Walls over high 4ft Retaining walls andterraces are used to reduce the gradient or slope andprovide level orgently slopingareas for establishing vegetation. retaining wall andterraced areas be designed andinstalled by aqualified professional. Protecting steep serious. Improperly slopes isvery installed systems canpose aserious threat to life andproperty. We recommend thatALL USES: SLOPED AREAS RETAINING WALLS ANDTERRACING USING RAIN ASARESOURCE are often used next are often to aroadway or drainage way. They are freestanding walls built from rock 25cm(10 in in.)to 0.6m(2ft.) canbe used on slopes steeper 53 . $$-$$$ M-C CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR RAINFALL CAPTURE AND RUNOFF CONTROL 42 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN Provide adequate drainage behind retaining walls. retaining behind drainage adequate Provide wall. your to design professional a qualified Use Install without checking on permit requirements. permit on checking Install without wood. creosote-treated Use
DO DON’T Always check retaining walls to make sure they are not leaning or failing. Ensure there there Ensure failing. leaning or not are they sure make to walls retaining check Always plant to sure Be functional. drains remain and the drainage behind walls is adequate walls. retaining behind drip irrigation and use vegetation water low only Maintenance: Maintenance: Many materials are available for building terraces. Treated wood (do not use creosote- use (do not wood Treated terraces. building for available are materials Many with and is often plants, expensive less with, blends well work to is easy treated) walls and for specifically made are blocks concrete Interlocking materials. than other such materials, other than a homeowner by installed easily more and are terraces the height. Make wall dictates slope of the and brick. steepness The as fieldstone This level. to is close them land between the so high enough yard in your terraces is strong material terrace the sure Be surfacesoil revegetated. be carefully should and heavy thawing, freezing, of cycles through in place stay to well and anchored drained. properly and slope the back into tied be should terraces Large rainstorms. build you terraces the restrict to want may expertise so you and equipment, This takes higher sure make to 2 ft) a professional cm (1 to from help Get in height. 61 30.5 to to soil. in the pressure and water gravity of forces the to stand up walls TERRACES Willow cuttings are used under very specific site conditions and are normally normally and are conditions very under used are cuttings site specific Willow professional. of a qualified guidance the through only recommended WILLOW CUTTINGS WILLOW CHAPTER 4: LOCAL PROJECTS 43 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN ASARESOURCE LOCAL PROJECTS CHAPTER 4
PHOTO: Eva Durance characteristics and the chopped wood mulch increases theabsorbing capabilities. water. Inthisgarden, have grasses,iris,andthe native Bearberry/Kinnikinnick these that willnot be damaged by water dripping on them andwithfibrous roots to absorb from the roof. For plantsalong adripline, choose ones withsturdy leaves andstems DESCRIPTION: Location: Private Residence, Penticton, B.C. DRIP-LINE PROTECTION -VEGETATION PHOTOS: Eva Durance would happen withaconcrete orother uniform hard surface. lines of thishouse to allow water to soak into as the ground rather thanrunning off, DESCRIPTION: LOCATION: Private Residence, Penticton, B.C. DRIP-LINE PROTECTION -HARDSCAPE Plantswere used along thisdripline to slowly sinkand absorbwater Small block pavers andinterlocking pavers were used alongthe drip CHAPTER 4: LOCAL PROJECTS 44 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN This four barrel manifold system was installed at a at a installed was system manifold barrel This four This system uses two used wine tanks from a local a local tanks from wine used two uses This system PHOTOS: Gordon HiebertPHOTOS: DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION: allow to re-routed was downspout The in Vernon. residence private The system. barrel in the water and drain below gate the to access trees to fruit routed which is a tap and an overflow, has system downslope. RAIN BARREL SYSTEM RAIN BARREL B.C. Vernon, Residence, Private LOCATION: DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION: Gordon HiebertPHOTO: DESIGNED AND INSTALLED BY: Element Eco-Design BY: AND INSTALLED DESIGNED harvesting rainwater A gravel each. litres 1,000 that hold vineyard the water to cubes the from overflow the takes fence the to next trench beds. flower lower LOCATION: Xerendipity Garden, Vernon, B.C. Vernon, Garden, Xerendipity LOCATION: RAIN COLLECTION SYSTEM COLLECTION RAIN CHAPTERCHAPTER 4: 4:LOCAL LOCAL PROJECTS PROJECTS 45 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN ASARESOURCE PHOTO: GordonHiebert trees anddrought-tolerant grasses. fence line,to irrigate theSaskatoon stormwater the parking lot; the water running off isdirected towards the well andengineered to withadry combined collect and manage allof the excess flow from the downspout. Inthe back of the house, aswale is irrigation requirements. Inthefront of the house, the rain garden takes the stormwater on the property, rehydrating the landscape andreducing DESCRIPTION: DESIGNED ANDINSTALLED BY: ElementEco-Design LOCATION: Nexus Therapeutics Massage Therapy Clinic,Vernon, B.C. RAIN GARDEN &DRY WELL PHOTOS: ZoeKirk act urban heat. aesthetically pleasing, provide a safe border from the road andhelp to counter- reduces stormwater volume andpollutant concentrations. Bioswales arealso and pathway Thebioswale protects runoff. the nearby lake and from runoff, native andlow water-use plants,andincorporates acurb-cut to capture road along Lakeshore Road The swale nearMission Creek. ofsalt-tolerant, consists DESCRIPTION: LOCATION: Kelowna, B.C. BIOSWALE The rain garden and dry well The raingarden work and dry to manage andkeep This bioswale of amulti-use pathway was constructed aspart
CHAPTER 4: LOCAL PROJECTS 46 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN A partnership project with Trees Canada and Okanagan College to to College Canada and Okanagan A partnership with Trees project PHOTOS: Gordon HiebertPHOTOS: create an incubator farm, food forest and community garden. The contour swales swales contour The garden. community and forest food farm, an incubator create forest food irrigating the passively while storage water provide and as walkways double help to and snowmelt stormwater collects swale A large downslope. planted vegetation pass to water excess that allows an overflow has Each swale hedge. a haskap irrigate disperse or landscape. on the swale next the to DESCRIPTION: DESIGNED AND INSTALLED BY: Element Eco-Design BY: AND INSTALLED DESIGNED SWALE & DRY CREEK BED CREEK DRY & SWALE B.C. College, Vernon, Okanagan LOCATION: CHAPTER 4: LOCAL PROJECTS 47 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN ASARESOURCE PHOTO: Gwen Steele DESCRIPTION: LOCATION: B.C. Centre,Naramata, Naramata DRY CREEK BED (ROCK-LINED SWALE) Dry creek bed redirects runoff andprevents creek bed redirects runoff soil erosion.Dry PHOTOS: Elana Westers to stablize aslope onthis property. DESCRIPTION: LOCATION: Private Residence, Kelowna, B.C. TERRACING PHOTOS: Gwen Steele a section of riparianzone ofBrandt’s Creek inaresidential area. DESCRIPTION: DESIGNED ANDINSTALLED BY: Mike Kamann, ILR Nursery LOCATION: Blondeaux Crescent, Kelowna, B.C. EROSION CONTROL BLANKETS Large boulders haveLarge boulders been used to create terracing Use of erosion control products during the restoration of CHAPTER 4: LOCAL PROJECTS 48 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN
In 2005, Bill Darnell and his wife began constructing a new a new constructing began and his wife In 2005, Bill Darnell The community garden wicking beds are self-hydrating beds that only beds self-hydrating are beds wicking garden community The PHOTOS: Bill Darnell PHOTOS: DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION: foot square 1,000 the for trusses the had First, they roof. with a green house foot. carry square per in this case 50 pounds load, to designed extra the roof had that they cap so with a top membrane roof on” a “torch applied they Next, cloth landscape a heavy laid down they Then, roof. waterproof a continuous allow to attached with a plastic mesh roof the into getting from roots stop to “crusher used They medium. growing the on put they drain. Finally, to water take to able be plants wouldn’t and unwanted poor it is nutrient chip” because vivums and semper of sedums varieties several planted They roof. the on root the on survived 2,000 plants in all. Most harsh the climate - approximately in the a week the plants once watering includes Maintenance roof. facing south fertilizer Gold as needed. and applying Okanagan summer LIVING ROOF B.C. Vernon, Residence, Private LOCATION: DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION: DESIGNED AND INSTALLED BY: Element Eco-Design Element BY: AND INSTALLED DESIGNED WICKING BEDS WICKING B.C. College, Vernon, Okanagan Farms, Patchwork LOCATION: PHOTO: Gordon HiebertPHOTO: require watering once per week. Wicking beds are best for growing shallow- growing for best are Wicking beds week. per once watering require They a few. name and peppers melons to squash, as lettuces, plants, such rooted equal relatively The appropriately. if sized downspouts to connected can also be from wick water to soil the for allows soil, reservoir to proportions water of the soil prevents reservoir, water the above placed pipe overflow The basin below. the rain events. extreme during over-saturated becoming from CHAPTER 4: LOCAL PROJECTS 49 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN ASARESOURCE PHOTO: Gwen Steele DESCRIPTION: LOCATION: Private residence,Kelowna, B.C. PERMEABLE PATIO PHOTO: Eva Durance shown inthispicture. useful inpreventing Organicandinorganic mulches are combined inthe garden runoff. however, inorganic materials such asgravel or rock mulches are alsoattractive and called bark mulch) and other organicmaterials work best atboth ofthese functions; as they absorb ANDretain water/moisture. Chopped wood of various sizes (often DESCRIPTION: LOCATION: Private Residence, Penticton, B.C. MULCHES GROUND COVER -WOOD ANDGRAVEL PHOTO: Jennifer Miles DESCRIPTION: LOCATION: Street, 15th Vernon, Alaneoff B.C. PERVIOUS PAVING TREATMENT Sand between paver stones allows rainwater to through. drain Mulches are critical parts of both raingardens andxeriscapeMulches are criticalparts gardens Two paved driving stripswithagravel matrixbetween them. CHAPTER 4: LOCAL PROJECTS 50 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN Using Allen block walls and wood framed gravel stairs, a water-wise stairs, a water-wise gravel framed wood and walls block Using Allen Plants can provide an excellent rainwater absorbing surface in gardens, absorbing surface gardens, in rainwater an excellent Plants can provide PHOTO: Gwen Steele Gwen PHOTO: DESCRIPTION: hillside. on a very steep created was garden LOCATION: Private residence, Kelowna, B.C. residence, Kelowna, Private LOCATION: RETAINING WALL RETAINING DESCRIPTION: Steele Gwen PHOTO: LOCATION: Private residence, Kelowna, B.C. residence, Kelowna, Private LOCATION: has prostrate garden water low care, acting This easy as a living mulch. effectively low are species Thyme Creeping cover. as a ground species Cotoneaster and Juniper traffic. foot some to that can stand up covers ground water GROUND COVER - VEGETATION COVER GROUND CHAPTER 4: LOCAL PROJECTS 51 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN ASARESOURCE PHOTOS: Gabe Cipes companion plantingto reduce water use andevaporation. the water underground. The farm also uses mulches, dripirrigation, and event oftorrential rainor snow andpassively irrigate the field by spreading before itentersrunoff the lake. Swales are used to capture water inthe Okanagan wetland flood plainislocated andpurifies the on the property for compost tea andfor large scale biodynamic foliar sprays. Anatural permaculture features atitsfarm. Rainbarrels are used to collect water DESCRIPTION: LOCATION: Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Kelowna, B.C. MULCH RAIN BARRELS, WETLAND, SWALES, Summerhill Pyramid Winery uses severalSummerhill PyramidWinery biodynamicand CHAPTER 4: LOCAL PROJECTS 52 USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RAIN USING GUIDE TO HOMEOWNER’S AN OKANAGAN This riparian restoration project, funded by Environment Canada, Canada, Environment by funded project, This riparian restoration PHOTOS: Trina Koch Trina PHOTOS: DESCRIPTION: planting over involved Company, Tech EBA, and Coldstream District of the A Tetra along located residences Creek. along Coldstream and shrubs 300 trees Eleven planting a riparian included project The participated creek the project. in the for required permits that discussed and presentations demonstration hands-on areas. in riparian development RIPARIAN RESTORATION RIPARIAN Park, Creekside Coldstream, B.C. LOCATION: RESOURCES GUIDE
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Okanagan Falls Irrigation District Regional District of Central Okanagan PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS 1109 Willow Street 1450 KLO Road Native Plant Society of British Columbia Okanagan Falls, B.C. V0H 1R0 Kelowna, B.C. V1W 3Z4 Association of Professional Biology www.npsbc.org/nativeplants.html 250-497-8541 250-763-4918 www.professionalbiology.com www.okanaganfallsirrigationdistrict.ca www.regionaldistrict.com Invasive Species Council of B.C. Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia www.egbc.ca 250-392-1400 Okanagan Indian Band Regional District of North Okanagan [email protected] 12420 Westside Road 9848 Aberdeen Road Irrigation Industry Association of B.C. www.bcinvasives.ca Vernon, B.C. V1H 2A4 Coldstream, B.C. V1B 2K9 www.irrigationbc.com 250-542-4328 250-550-3700 Okanagan Xeriscape Association www.okib.ca www.rdno.ca B.C. Institute of Agrologists [email protected] www.bcia.com www.okanaganxeriscape.org Okanagan Nation Alliance Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association #101-3535 Old Okanagan Hwy 101 Martin Street 604-574-7772 Partnership for Water Sustainability in B.C. West Kelowna, B.C. V4T 3L7 Penticton, B.C. V2A 5J9 www.bclna.com www.waterbucket.ca 250-707-0095 250-492-0237 B.C. Water & Waste Association www.syilx.org www.rdos.bc.ca www.bcwwa.org OKANAGAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT Oliver, Town of Rutland Waterworks Water Supply Association of B.C. Armstrong, City of 6150 Main Street, PO Box 638 106-200 Dougall Road N. www.wsabc.ca 3570 Bridge Street, PO Box 40 Oliver, B.C. V0H 1T0 Kelowna, B.C. V1X 3K5 Armstrong, B.C. V0E 1B0 250-485-6200 250-765-5218 250-546-3023 www.oliver.ca www.rutlandwaterworks.com SENIOR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES www.cityofarmstrong.bc.ca Osoyoos, Town of Spallumcheen, Township of Fisheries and Oceans Canada 200 Kent Street Black Mountain Irrigation District 8707 Main Street, PO Box 3010 4144 Spallumcheen Way 13th Floor, Station 13E228 285 Gray Road Osoyoos, B.C. V0H 1V0 Spallumcheen, B.C. V0E 1B6 Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E6 Kelowna, B.C. V1X 1W8 250-495-6515 250-546-3013 1-800-465-7735 250-765-5169 www.osoyoos.ca www.spallumcheentwp.bc.ca www.bmid.ca Osoyoos Indian Band Summerland, District of Interior Health 505 Doyle Ave Glenmore Ellison Improvement District 105 Harmony Cres, RR#3, S-25, C-1 13211 Henry Avenue, Box 159 Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 0C5 445 Glenmore Road Osoyoos, B.C. V0H 1T0 Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0 250-469-7070 Kelowna, B.C. V1V 1Z6 250-498-3444 250-494-6451 www.interiorhealth.ca 250-763-6506 www.oib.ca www.summerland.ca www.glenmoreellison.com Osoyoos Irrigation District Vernon, City of Ministry of Environment PO BOX 9339 STN PROV GOVT Kaleden Irrigation District 45th Street 3400 30th Street VIictoria, B.C. V8W 9M1 119 Ponderosa Road, Box 107 Osoyoos, B.C. Vernon, B.C. V1T 5E6 250-387-1161 Kaleden, B.C. V0H 1K0 250-495-2365 250-545-1361 [email protected] 250-497-5407 www.vernon.ca www.kaledenirrigation.com Peachland, District of 5806 Beach Avenue West Kelowna, City of Ministry of Environment 102 Industrial Pl Kelowna, City of Peachland, B.C. V0H 1X7 2760 Cameron Road Penticton, B.C. V2A 7C8 1435 Water Street 250-767-2647 West Kelowna, B.C. V1Z 2T6 250-490-8200 Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 1J4 www.peachland.ca 778-797-1000 250-469-8500 www.westkelownacity.ca Ministry of Forest, Land and Natural Resources www.kelowna.ca Penticton, City of 171 main Street Westbank First Nation PO BOX 9049 STN PROV GOVT VIictoria, B.C. V8W 9E2 Lake Country, District of Penticton, B.C. V2A 5A9 301-515 Hwy 97 South 250-387-4809 10150 Bottom Lake Road 250-490-2400 Kelowna, B.C. V1Z 3J2 Lake Country, B.C. V4V 2M1 www.penticton.ca 250-769-4999 Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource 250-766-5650 www.wfn.ca Okanagan Shuswap District www.lakecountry.bc.ca Penticton Indian Band 841 Westhill Drive, RR#2, S-80, C-19 2501 - 14th Avenue Vernon, B.C., V1T 8Z1 Okanagan Basin Water Board Penticton, B.C. V2A 6J7 Phone: (250) 558-1700 1450 KLO Road 250-493-0048 Kelowna, B.C. http://pib.ca 250.469.6270 www.obwb.ca
53 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE RESOURCES GUIDE (Cont’d)
CONTRACTORS/DESIGN CONSULTANTS Dogwood Nursery Xeriscape Endemic Nursery (XEN) Xeriscape Design Concepts for Large Lots: Solutions to 3417A Paynter Road 2468 Hayman Rd the Challenges of Landscaping on the West Bench Gordon Hiebert West Kelowna, B.C. West Kelowna, B.C. By Boot and Parchomchuck Wood & Water Developments 250-768-3355 778-755-0369 Available at www.westbenchirrigation.org/manual.pdf (previously Element Eco-Design) [email protected] [email protected] Vernon, B.C. www.dogwoodnursery.com www.xeriscapenursery.ca Xeriscape Plant Guide 250-938-5148 By Denver Water [email protected] Eco Turf Farms RECOMMENDED BOOKS www.woodwaterdevelopments.com 3330 Old Vernon Road Okanagan-Similkameen Rain Garden Guide Book Kelowna B.C. Xeriscape, Naturescape & Related (Online PDF) Joe Ritchie 250-765-9429 Reference Books By the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen Top Tier Rock Walls [email protected] Kelowna, B.C. www.ecoturffarms.com Atlas of South Okanagan and Similkameen (available Rainwater Harvesting and Reuse 250-859-4493 from the Penticton Library - no longer available to buy) Essential Rainwater Harvesting (E-book) [email protected] GardenWorks Penticton By Verge Permaculture www.toptierrockwalls.com 670 Duncan Ave W. Beth Chatto’s Gravel Garden Penticton, B.C. Drought Resistant Planting Through the Year Rainwater Harvesting Best Practices Guidebook RM Custom Services 250-492-5703 By Beth Chatto (Online PDF) Landscape construction and design Toll Free: 1-800-667-0765 By the Regional District of Nanaimo Certified Irrigation Specialists [email protected] Building Within Nature Kelowna, B.C. www.gardenworks.ca By Andy and Sally Wasowski Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands & Beyond 250-215-3289 Volume 1 and 2 [email protected] Nicholas Alexander Landscaping Building Climate Resilience in the Okanagan By Brad Lancaster www.rmcustomservices.ca 6325 Hwy 97 (Online PDF) www.harvestingrainwater.com Vernon, B.C. By Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen Elana Westers 250-542-8881 and the South Okanagan Real Estate Board Permaculture / Regenerative agriculture Growing Inspired, Ecological Land Design Gaia’s Garden 250-470-2610 ProSource Supply Creating the Prairie Xeriscape By Toby Hemenway www.growinginspired.com 1822 Spall Road By Sara Williams Kelowna, B.C. Permaculture: A Designer’s Manual EQUIPMENT, PLANT & SEED SUPPLIERS 250-862-9424 Cultivating the Wild - Gardening with Native Plants By Bill Mollison and Reny Mia Slay of British Columbia’s Southern Interior and Eastern Ace Hardware #1 - 1515 Westgate Road Washington Green Roofs 3223 Woodsdale Road West Kelowna, B.C. By Eva Durance Design Guidelines for Green Roof Lake Country, B.C. 250-454-9424 778-480-8030 by Steven Peck and Monica Kuhn www.prosourcesupply.ca How to Get Your Lawn off Grass www.cmhc.ca/en/inpr/bude/himu/coedar/ By Carole Rubin loader.cfm?url=/commonspot/security/getfile. Andrew Sheret Ltd. Sagebrush Nursery cfm&PageID=70146 1020 Waddington Drive 7556 Island Road Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest Vernon, B.C. Oliver, B.C. By Russell Link Green Roof Plants: A Resource and Planting Guide 250-545-1381 250-498-8898 By Edmund Snodgrass 440 Banks Road [email protected] Naturescape British Columbia, Caring for Wildlife Kelowna, B.C. www.sagebrushnursery.com Habitat at Home (Southern Interior edition) Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls 250-762-5205 call 1-800-387-9835 to order program and books by Nigel Dunnett Sandhu Greenhouses 298 Duncan Ave. W., 9707-128 Ave Plants of Southern Interior British Columbia and the Waterfront Living Penticton, B.C. Oliver, B.C. Inland Northwest A resource for Okanagan Lakeshore Living 250-493-6754 250-489-8898 by Parish, Coupe, and Lloyd By the Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program www.sheret.com [email protected] www.sandhugreenhouses.com Taylor’s Guide to Water Saving Gardening On the Living Edge: Your Handbook for Waterfront Living BARR Plastics By Houghton Mifflin Co. By Kipp and Callaway (rainwater harvesting equipment) Shepherd’s Hardware 1-800-665-4499 3525 Mill St The Landscaping Revolution RECOMMENDED WEBSITES www.barrplastics.com Armstrong, B.C. By Andy and Sally Wasowski 250-546-3002 www.okwaterwise.ca Better Earth Gardens & Tropicals www.shepherdshardware.ca The Xeriscape Flower Gardener, a Water-wise Guide for www.greenroofs.com 1629 K. L. O. Rd, Kelowna, B.C. the Rocky Mountain Region www.commons.bcit.ca/greenroof.com (250) 861-1881 Swan Lake Nurseryland Jim Knopf www.greenroofplants.com www.betterearthgardens.com 7920 Highway 97 www.waterbucket.ca Vernon, B.C. Trees, Shrubs & Flowers to Know in British Columbia Blue Mountain Nursery Company 250-542-7614 and Washington 1871 Pleasant Valley Rd., Armstrong, B.C. [email protected] By Lyons and Merilees Phone: 250-546-8181 www.myswanlake.com [email protected] AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE 54 www.bluemountainnursery.ca GLOSSARY
Biodynamic agriculture: a method of organic farming that treats farms Eutrophication: excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body Pervious material: materials such as paver stones, turf block and as unified and individual organisms, emphasizing balancing the holistic of water, frequently due to runoff from the land, which causes a dense permeable asphalts and pavements that allow runoff to pass through and development and interrelationship of the soil, plants and animals as a growth of plant life. sink back into the soil. self-nourishing system without external inputs insofar as this is possible given the loss of nutrients due to the export of food. Evapotranspiration: evaporation of surface and groundwater plus water Pollutant: a waste material that pollutes air, water or soil, and is the cause loss from plants. of pollution. Bioswale: engineered material (usually a designed soil mix consisting of sand, loam soil and hardwood mulch) that is sunken in at the edge of a Groundwater: water located beneath the ground surface in soil pore Potable water: water that is pure enough to be consumed or used with property or driveway to improve water quality, reduce runoff volume, and spaces and in the fractures of rock formations. low risk of immediate or long term harm. control peak runoff rates. Hardpan: a general term for a dense layer of soil, usually found below the Rain barrel: small-to-medium sized containers placed outside buildings Boomerang: similar to a swale, small semi-circle water harvesting mound uppermost topsoil layer. and connected to roof downspouts to collect runoff for later use in non- and ditch system dispersed throughout a slope so the overflow from one potable applications. boomerang flows into two other boomerangs. Impervious surfaces: hard surfaces that do not allow water to pass through, including roofs, streets and parking areas. Rain garden: specialized landscape design that captures rainwater runoff Check dam: a small structure constructed of rock, gravel bags, logs or from roofs, driveways, or other impervious surfaces and allows water to sandbags generally used in vegetated swales, constructed channels or Infiltration:the process by which water on the ground surface enters the sink back into the ground. drainage ditches to lower the speed of stormwater flows by temporarily soil. ponding water and decreasing the effective slope. Retaining wall: boulders, treated timber, bricks, and/or interlocking Infiltration structure:typically underground storage chambers designed concrete blocks used to reduce the gradient or slop and provide level or Cistern: manufactured water storage container for non-potable use in to collect stormwater and allow it to infiltrate into the surrounding soil for gently sloping areas for establishing vegetation. residential, commercial, or industrial applications. Can be installed both groundwater recharge. above and below ground. Riparian area: the areas, or zones, bordering on streams, lakes, and Leach field: typically an arrangement of trenches containing perforated wetlands that link water to land. Contaminant: biological, chemical, physical, or radiological substance pipes and porous material covered by a layer of soil that is used to remove (normally absent in the environment) which, in sufficient concentration, contaminants and impurities from the liquid that emerges from the septic Runoff: the water flow that occurs when soil is infiltrated to full capacity or can adversely affect living organisms through air, water, soil, and/or food. tank. Also called septic drain fields or leach drains. the surface is impervious and excess water from rain, meltwater, or other sources flows over the land. Contour: in reference to a ‘contour line’ used in mapping to join points Living roof: an intentionally vegetated roof surface that typically consists of equal elevation. In Permaculture/Regenerative design swales are of the roof structure, a waterproofing/roofing membrane, specialized Slotted channel drain: metal-grated pipe-like structure that transport designed “on contour” to keep water level and therefore evenly distributed drainage layer, landscape or filter cloth, growing medium and plants. Also water from a driveway to a safe location. throughout the landscape. known as a “green roof”. Splash guards: simple devices that reduce the initial force of water at an Downspout diverter: a device that fits on a downspout to direct water Mulch: a protective layer of material that is spread on top of the soil. Can outlet of a downspout allowing it to spread out and sink back into the soil. away from foundation. be organic, such as grass clippings, straw, and bark chips, or inorganic, such as stones, brick chips, and recycled glass. Swale: an uncompacted water harvesting ditch on contour that works to Drip line: the area below the eaves of a house and underneath decks, disperse runoff water along the landscape. outdoor stairs, and other elevated structures where runoff drips to the Native plant: plant that occurs naturally in a particular region, ecosystem ground. or habitat. Water footprint: the total volume of freshwater used to produce the goods and services consumed by the individual or community or produced by the Dry creek bed (diversion drain): a swale that uses rock instead of Non-potable water: water that is not of drinking water quality, but which business. vegetation to safely infiltrate and convey runoff away from a structure or to may still be used for many other purposes, depending on its quality. a retention area. Waterbar: essentially a speed bump that is used for slowing down and/or Percolation rate: the rate, usually expressed as a velocity, at which redirecting runoff. Energy dissipator: rocks, concrete, brick or other non-erosive product water moves through saturated granular material. A soil with a greater placed at outlets of downspouts to slow runoff by reducing the initial percolation rate can usually absorb more water. Watershed: an area where all surface water drains into the same body of impact of concentrated, high velocity runoff. water (river, lake, or ocean). Permaculture: a design-science that aims to create sustainable human Erosion: a natural process by which material is loosened from the earth’s habitations that provide food, shelter, energy and economic stability for its Xeriscaping: landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate surface at one location and moved to another. Water, wind, ice, and waves occupants. Permaculture principles apply a “systems based” approach to the need for supplemental water from irrigation. are the agents of erosion that wear away at the surface of the earth. incorporate seemingly unrelated functions into a closely integrated system Human land use can have an effect on erosion, especially industrial that focuses on the efficient use of resources, energy capture, water agriculture, deforestation and urban sprawl. and waste management. Simply put, permaculture looks at all existing elements that are in a home system and links them together to get the Erosion control blanket: permeable synthetic or coconut matting that is most efficiency/effectiveness out of them. used to protect bare soils while vegetation grows.
55 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE APPENDIX A - PLANT LIST LEGEND: A Native plant = a plant that is Indigenous to the Okanagan area Raingarden Zones are taken from the Raingarden plants listed in the Okanagan-Similkameen Rain Garden Guide Book Visit http://www.okanaganxeriscape.org/db for more information on most of the plants listed below
EROSION WHICH CONTROL (EC), ZONE IN WATER LIGHT NEEDS: USED BY (M)EDICINAL, PERENNIAL/ A RAIN- SPREADS/ NATIVE NEEDS FULL SUN (FS), BIRDS (B), WIDTH/ SEASON OF (E)DIBLE COMMON NAME BOTANICAL LATIN NAME UNLESS SAYS GARDEN HEIGHT SELF- PLANT (IN FULL PART SUN (PS, POLLINATORS SPREAD INTEREST PLANT, EVERGREEN ((D)RY, SEEDS SUN) SHADE (S) (P) (N)ITROGEN- (M)OIST OR FIXING, (W)ET) (F)RAGRANCE TREES Callery Pear (ornamental) Pyrus calleryana 2 FS B 25’ - 30’ 8’ - 10’ Spring to Fall
Choke Cherry Prunus virginiana y 1 D FS BP 12’ 6’ Spring to Fall E
Douglas Fir Pseudotsuga menziesii y Evergreen 1 FS,PS B 60’ - 70’ 30’ - 35’ Year round Elderberry- Blue (Shrub/ Sambucus caerulea y 2 M FS,PS BP 10’ - 12’ 10’ - 12’ Spring to Fall E,M Tree) Golden Rain Tree Koelreuteria paniculata 1 FS 25’ - 30’ 25’ - 30’ Year round y
Hawthorne- Black Crataegus douglasii Lindl. y M,D BP 10’ - 20’ Spring to Fall E
Hawthorne- Columbian Crataegus columbianum y 1 FS BP 18’ - 24’ 20’ Spring to Fall E Crataegus oxyacantha Hawthorne- ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ 2 FS BP 20’ - 30’ 15’ - 25’ Spring to Fall E ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ Hawthorne- Thornless Crataegus crus-galli 1 FS BP 20’ - 30’ 20’ - 35’ Spring to Fall E Cockspur inermis Gleditsia tricanthos var. Honey Locust - Thornless 2 FS 35’ - 60’ 35’ - 60’ Spring to Fall N inermis
Honey Locust -’Twisty Baby’ Robinia pseudoacacia 2 FS B 15’ - 25’ 15’ - 25’ Year round N y (may spread, not agressive) ‘Lace Lady’
Syringa reticulata ‘Ivory Ivory Silk Lilac 2 FS 23’ 16’ Spring to Fall F Silk’ Juniperus scopulorum Juniper (Columnar Tree) Evergreen 1 FS,PS B 16’ - 20’ 5’ - 8’ Year round E ‘Moonglow’ Juniper- Rocky Mountain Juniperus scopulorum y Evergreen 1 D FS B 10’ - 30’ 10’ - 20’ Year round E,M,F Acer tataricum subspecies Maple- Amur 3 W FS,PS B 15’ - 20’ 15’ - 20’ Spring to Fall F ginnala Maple- Douglas/Rocky Mountain Maple (Shrub/ Acer glabrum var. douglasii y 3 FS,PS B 15’ 15’ Year round Tree)
Ponderosa Pine Pinus ponderosa y Evergreen 1 FS B 50’ - 80’ 20’ - 25’ Year round M,F
AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE 56 PLANT LIST (Cont’d)
EROSION WHICH CONTROL (EC), ZONE IN WATER LIGHT NEEDS: USED BY (M)EDICINAL, PERENNIAL/ A RAIN- SPREADS/ NATIVE NEEDS FULL SUN (FS), BIRDS (B), WIDTH/ SEASON OF (E)DIBLE COMMON NAME BOTANICAL LATIN NAME UNLESS SAYS GARDEN HEIGHT SELF- PLANT (IN FULL PART SUN (PS, POLLINATORS SPREAD INTEREST PLANT, EVERGREEN ((D)RY, SEEDS SUN) SHADE (S) (P) (N)ITROGEN- (M)OIST OR FIXING, (W)ET) (F)RAGRANCE
Saskatoon- Autumn Amelanchier x grandiflora 1 D FS,PS,S BP 15’ - 25’ 15’ - 25’ Spring to Fall E Brilliance ‘Autumn Brilliance’
Trembling Aspen/Quaking Populus tremuloides y 3 W,M FS 40’ - 50’ 20’ - 30’ Spring to Fall M Aspen Wayfaring Tree (Shrub/Tree) Viburnum lantana 2 FS,PS BP 10’ - 15’ 10’ - 15’ Year round SHRUBS
only water Big Sagebrush Artemesia tridentata y until D FS BP 5’ 5’ Year round EC,E,M,F established
only water Antelope Brush Purshia tridentata y until FS P 5’ - 7’ 4’ - 6’ Year round EC, F established
Ceanothus/Snowbrush Ceanothus velutinus y 1 D FS P 1’ - 2’ 3’ - 8’ Spring to Fall F,M
Caragana- Globe Caragana frutex ‘Globosa’ 1 FS/PS P 3’ 2’ - 3’ Spring to Fall N
Caragana- ‘Walker’s Caragana arborescens 1 FS P 5’ - 10’ 3’ - 4’ Spring to Fall N Weeping’ (Shrub/Tree) ‘Walker’
Currant- Waxy Ribes cereum y 1 DM FS,PS BP 3’ - 5’ 3’ - 5’ Spring E,M Currants- Red/Black/ Ribes (rubrum/nigrum/ 2 FS,PS B 4’ - 8’ 4’ - 8’ Spring to Fall E Golden aureum) Juniper- Common Juniperus communis y Evergreen 1 FS,PS B 3’ 8’ Year round EC,E,M
Juniper (nursery shrub Juniperus horizontalis/ Evergreen 1 FS,PS B 6” - 4’ 3’ - 8’ Year round EC cultivars) sabina/communis
Juniperus scopulorum Juniper (Columnar Tree) Evergreen 1 FS,PS B 16’ - 20’ 5’ - 8’ Year round E ‘Moonglow’ Juniper- Common Juniperus communis y Evergreen 1 FS,PS B 3’ 8’ Year round EC,E,M
Juniper (nursery shrub Juniperus horizontalis/ Evergreen 1 FS,PS B 6” - 4’ 3’ - 8’ Year round EC cultivars) sabina/communis
Juniperus chinensis ‘Gold Juniper- Gold Coast Evergreen 1 FS 2’ - 3’ 4’ - 6’ Year round Coast’ Lilac- Common Syringa vulgaris 1 FS BP 10’ - 12’ 8’ - 12’ Spring to Fall F
57 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE PLANT LIST (Cont’d)
EROSION WHICH CONTROL (EC), ZONE IN WATER LIGHT NEEDS: USED BY (M)EDICINAL, PERENNIAL/ A RAIN- SPREADS/ NATIVE NEEDS FULL SUN (FS), BIRDS (B), WIDTH/ SEASON OF (E)DIBLE COMMON NAME BOTANICAL LATIN NAME UNLESS SAYS GARDEN HEIGHT SELF- PLANT (IN FULL PART SUN (PS, POLLINATORS SPREAD INTEREST PLANT, EVERGREEN ((D)RY, SEEDS SUN) SHADE (S) (P) (N)ITROGEN- (M)OIST OR FIXING, (W)ET) (F)RAGRANCE
Lilac- ‘Miss Kim’ Syringa patula ‘Miss Kim’ 2 FS BP 4’ - 9’ 5’ - 7’ Spring to Fall F
Ocean Spray Holodiscus discolor y 1 D FS,PS P 5’ - 7’ 5’ - 10’ Year round M
Mugo Pine- ‘Slowmound’ Pinus mugo ‘Slowmound’ Evergreen 1 D FS,PS B 2’ 3’ Year round
Mock Orange Philadelphus Lewisii y 1 D FS,PS BP 7’ - 10’ 7’ Spring F Philadelphus Lewisii Mock Orange- ‘Waterton’ 2 FS,PS BP 7’ 6’ Spring F ‘Waterton’ Oregon Grape (tall) Mahonia aquifolium y Evergreen 1 D FS,PS BP 1’ - 8’ 3’ - 6’ Year round E,M,EC,F y
Shrubby Penstemon Penstemon fructicosus y 1 D FS P 6” 1’ - 18” Spring to Fall M Potentilla/Shrubby Potentilla fruticosa y 2 M FS P 1’ - 2’ 1’ - 2’ Spring to Fall Cinquefoil
Potentilla fruticosa (eg Potentilla/Cinquefoil cultivars: Abbotswood/ 2 M FS P 2’ - 4’ 2’ - 4’ Spring to Fall (nursery cultivars) Coronation Triumph/ Goldfinger)
Rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseosa y 1 D FS P 3’ 3’ Year round EC,F
Red Osier Dogwood Cornus serica y 3 WM PS B 6’ 6’ Spring to Fall y
Rose - ‘Knock Out’ Rosa x RADrazz 2 FS BP 3’ - 6’ 3’ - 6’ Year round F,E,M
Rose - ‘Nearly Wild’ Rosa ‘Nearly Wild’ 2 FS BP 30” 30” Year round F,E,M
Juniper (nursery shrub Juniperus horizontalis/ Evergreen 1 FS,PS B 6” - 4’ 3’ - 8’ Year round EC cultivars) sabina/communis
Rose - Wild / ‘Wood’s’ (a Rosa woodsii / acicularis / few varieties are considered y 1 DM FS,PS BP 2’ - 7’ 3’ - 5’ Year round F,E,M (leaves),EC nutkana / gymnocarpa to be Indigenous)
Summer to Russian Sage (self seeds) Perovskia atriplicifolia 1 DM FS,PS P 3’ - 5’ 2’ - 4’ F,EC y Winter Saskatoon Berry (Shrub/ Amelanchier Alnifolia y 1 DM FS,PS BP 3’ - 20’ 3’ - 8’ Spring to Fall E,M Tree) Snowberry (will spread) Symphoricarpos albus y 1 D FS,PS BP 2’ - 3’ 3’ Year round EC y Soapberry/Soopalallie/ Shepherdia canadensis y 2 MW FS,PS P 4’ - 6’ 3’ - 4’ Spring to Fall E,M,N Skuhshum Smooth Sumac (will spread) Rhus glabra y 1 FS B 3’ - 10’ 3’ - 10’ Year round EC y
AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE 58 PLANT LIST (Cont’d)
EROSION WHICH CONTROL (EC), ZONE IN WATER LIGHT NEEDS: USED BY (M)EDICINAL, PERENNIAL/ A RAIN- SPREADS/ NATIVE NEEDS FULL SUN (FS), BIRDS (B), WIDTH/ SEASON OF (E)DIBLE COMMON NAME BOTANICAL LATIN NAME UNLESS SAYS GARDEN HEIGHT SELF- PLANT (IN FULL PART SUN (PS, POLLINATORS SPREAD INTEREST PLANT, EVERGREEN ((D)RY, SEEDS SUN) SHADE (S) (P) (N)ITROGEN- (M)OIST OR FIXING, (W)ET) (F)RAGRANCE
Tiger Eyes Sumac (can Rhus typhina ‘Bailtiger’ 1 to 2 FS B 4’ - 6’ 4’ - 10’ Spring to Fall EC y spread) TIGER EYES Globe Blue Spruce Picea pungens ‘Globosa’ Evergreen 3 FS 4’ 7’ Year round E
Wolf Willow/ Silverberry/ Silverwillow (will sucker- Elaeagnus commutata y 1 M FS,PS B 4’ - 8’ 4’ - 6’ Spring to Fall EC,N,F y additional shoots need to be cut to the ground)
GRASSES Helictotrichon Blue Oat Grass 1 D FS,PS,S 2’ - 3’ 2’ Year round sempervirens Bluebunch Wheatgrass Pseudoregneria spicata/ y 1 D FS 2’ 18” Year round M,EC y (self seeds) spicatum
Calamagrostis x acutiflora Feather Reed Grass (eg cultivars: Karl Foerster/ 1 to 3 M FS,PS B 5’ 3’ Year round (nursery cultivars) Overdam/Avalanche (variegated)
Fescue- Blue Hair Grass Festuca glauca 1 D FS 1’ 1’ Year round
Giant Wild Rye Elymus cinereus y 2 MW FS 6’ 40” Year round M (roots)
Idaho Fescue (self seeds) Festuca idahoensis y 2 D FS,PS 1’ 1’ Year round y Koeleria macrantha/ Junegrass y 1 D FS,PS 18” 1’ Year round y cristata Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Switch Grass- Heavy Metal 2 DM FS,PS B 54” 3’ Year round Metal’ Panicum virgatum ‘Rostrahlbusch’ or Switch Grass- Red 2 DM FS,PS B 3’ - 5’ 3’ Year round ‘Shenandoah’, ‘Prairie Fire’ etc PERENNIALS Aster- Golden (self seeds) Heterotheca villosa y 1 FS,PS P 8” - 1’ 1’ Spring to Fall y
Aster- Showy (will spread) Aster conspicuus y 1 FS,PS P 2’ - 40” 18” - 3’ Spring to Fall M y Aster- Summer or Frikart’s Aster frikartii 2 DM FS P 2’ - 3’ 2’ - 3’ Spring to Fall Aster Beebalm- Red Monarda ‘Jacob Cline’ 2 to 3 FS,PS PB 3’ - 4’ 2’ - 3’ Spring to Fall
Bergenia- Heartleaf Bergenia cordifolia Evergreen 2 PS,S 1’ - 18” 1’ - 2’ Year round
59 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE PLANT LIST (Cont’d)
EROSION WHICH CONTROL (EC), ZONE IN WATER LIGHT NEEDS: USED BY (M)EDICINAL, PERENNIAL/ A RAIN- SPREADS/ NATIVE NEEDS FULL SUN (FS), BIRDS (B), WIDTH/ SEASON OF (E)DIBLE COMMON NAME BOTANICAL LATIN NAME UNLESS SAYS GARDEN HEIGHT SELF- PLANT (IN FULL PART SUN (PS, POLLINATORS SPREAD INTEREST PLANT, EVERGREEN ((D)RY, SEEDS SUN) SHADE (S) (P) (N)ITROGEN- (M)OIST OR FIXING, (W)ET) (F)RAGRANCE
Blue Flax (self seeds) Linum perenne y 2 D FS,PS P 1’ - 18” 18” - 2’ Spring to Fall y Iberis sempervirens ‘Little Candytuft - ‘Little Gem’ Evergreen 1 to 2 FS,PS P 1’ 2’ Year round Gem’ Chives Allium schoenoprasum 1 to 2 FS P 1’ - 18” 1’ Spring to Fall E,F
Daylily - ‘Stella d’Oro’ Hemerocallis ‘Stella d’Oro’ 2 M FS,PS B 18” 2’ Spring to Fall E
Hemerocallis (many Daylily (many cultivars) 2 to 3 M FS,PS B 1’ - 4’ 1’ - 30” Spring to Fall E cultivars available)
Echinacea/Coneflower Echinacea purpurea 2 to 3 M FS,PS PB 2’ - 30” 18” - 2’ Year round M
False Solomon’s Seal- Smilacina racemosa y 2 M PS,S P 2’ - 3’ 2’ - 3’ Spring to Fall E,M (Indigenous)
Gaillardia/Blanket Flower/ Gaillardia aristata y 1 D FS P 18” 18” Spring to Fall M y Brown-eyed Susan
Geranium sanguineum (eg Geranium - Cranesbill (self cultivars: Rozanne, Bloody 1 FS,PS P 1’ - 18” 18” - 2’ Spring to Fall seeds) Cranesbill, Cambridge)
Hollyhock Alcea rosea 1 to 2 FS,PS PB 5’ - 7’ 3’ - 4’ Spring to Fall
Hosta (hundreds of needs part Hosta (many cultivars) cultivars/varieties 3 PS,S P 6” - 4’ 6” - 60” Spring to Fall E shade available)
Lavender (many cultivars) Lavandula angustifolia Evergreen 1 FS,PS P 1’ - 2’ 1’ - 2’ Year round E,F Milkweed -Showy (self Asclepias speciosa 1 to 2 FS P 3’ 2’ Spring to Fall F y seeds) Nodding Onion Allium cernuum y 1 MD FS P 8” - 18” 6” - 1’ Spring to Fall E,F needs part Ostrich Fern Matteuccia struthiopteris y 2 PS,S 3’ - 4’ 2’ - 3’ Spring to Fall E (fiddleheads) y shade Pearly Everlasting (self Anaphalis margaritacea y 2 D FS,PS P 1’ - 2’ 2’ - 3’ Spring to Fall F,M y seeds) Prairie Crocus or Peace/ Pasque Flower (can self Pulsatilla vulgaris 2 FS,PS 1’ 18” - 2’ Spring seed)
Rhubarb Rheum rhabarbarum 1 to 2 FS,PS 16”- 3’ 2’ - 4’ Spring to Fall E
AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE 60 PLANT LIST (Cont’d)
EROSION WHICH CONTROL (EC), ZONE IN WATER LIGHT NEEDS: USED BY (M)EDICINAL, PERENNIAL/ A RAIN- SPREADS/ NATIVE NEEDS FULL SUN (FS), BIRDS (B), WIDTH/ SEASON OF (E)DIBLE COMMON NAME BOTANICAL LATIN NAME UNLESS SAYS GARDEN HEIGHT SELF- PLANT (IN FULL PART SUN (PS, POLLINATORS SPREAD INTEREST PLANT, EVERGREEN ((D)RY, SEEDS SUN) SHADE (S) (P) (N)ITROGEN- (M)OIST OR FIXING, (W)ET) (F)RAGRANCE
Round-leaved Alumroot Heuchera cylindrical y Evergreen 1 DM FS,PS P 8” - 18” 6” - 10” Year round M (sim.to Coral Bells)
Perovskia atriplicifolia Summer to Russian Sage- Dwarf 1 DM FS P 30” 2’ F ‘Little Spire’ Winter
Sage- culinary (many Salvia officinalis (many Evergreen 1 FS PB 1’ - 2’ 18” - 30” Year round E,F cultivars) cultivars available)
Salvia (Perennial)- ‘East Salvia nemorosa ‘East 1 to 2 M FS PB 1’ - 2’ 1’ - 2’ Spring to Fall Friesland’ or ‘Caradonna’ Friesland’ or ‘Caradonna’
Sedum/Stonecrop- ‘Autumn Sedum alboroseum Summer to Joy’ (many cultivars 1 M FS,PS P 18” - 2’ 18” - 2’ ‘Autumn Joy’ Fall available)
Lupine- Silky (can spread) Lupinus sericeus y 1 FS,PS PB 1’ - 2’ 18” Spring to Fall N,M y
Soapweed Yucca glauca Evergreen 1 FS 2’ - 3’ 2’ - 3’ Year round Coreopsis verticillata Zagreb Threadleaf Tickseed 1 to 2 D FS P 1’ - 16” 18” Spring to Fall ‘Zagreb’
Achillea millefolium Yarrow- Ornamental ‘Terracotta’, ‘Paprika’, Evergreen 2 FS,PS P 18” - 3’ 2’ Year round ‘Strawberry Paprika’, etc
Yarrow (aggressive Achillea millefolium y Evergreen 1 M FS,PS PB 18” - 3’ 18” - 3’ Year round M y spreader/lawn alternative)
Yarrow- ‘Moonshine’ Achillea ‘Moonshine’ Evergreen 2 FS,PS P 18” 2’ Year round
Yucca- ‘Golden Sword’ Yucca filamentosa ‘Golden Evergreen 1 FS 2’ 2’ Year round (more cultivars available) Sword’ GROUNDCOVERS
Sage- culinary (many Salvia officinalis (many Evergreen 1 FS PB 1’ - 2’ 18” - 30” Year round E,F cultivars) cultivars available)
Hens and Chicks Sempervivum species Evergreen 1 D FS,PS P 1” - 4” 6” - 2’ Year round
61 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE PLANT LIST (Cont’d)
EROSION WHICH CONTROL (EC), ZONE IN WATER LIGHT NEEDS: USED BY (M)EDICINAL, PERENNIAL/ A RAIN- SPREADS/ NATIVE NEEDS FULL SUN (FS), BIRDS (B), WIDTH/ SEASON OF (E)DIBLE COMMON NAME BOTANICAL LATIN NAME UNLESS SAYS GARDEN HEIGHT SELF- PLANT (IN FULL PART SUN (PS, POLLINATORS SPREAD INTEREST PLANT, EVERGREEN ((D)RY, SEEDS SUN) SHADE (S) (P) (N)ITROGEN- (M)OIST OR FIXING, (W)ET) (F)RAGRANCE
Salvia (Perennial)- ‘East Salvia nemorosa ‘East 1 to 2 M FS PB 1’ - 2’ 1’ - 2’ Spring to Fall Friesland’ or ‘Caradonna’ Friesland’ or ‘Caradonna’
Sedum/Stonecrop- ‘Autumn Sedum alboroseum Summer to Joy’ (many cultivars 1 M FS,PS P 18” - 2’ 18” - 2’ ‘Autumn Joy’ Fall available)
Lupine- Silky (can spread) Lupinus sericeus y 1 FS,PS PB 1’ - 2’ 18” Spring to Fall N,M y
Soapweed Yucca glauca Evergreen 1 FS 2’ - 3’ 2’ - 3’ Year round Coreopsis verticillata Zagreb Threadleaf Tickseed 1 to 2 D FS P 1’ - 16” 18” Spring to Fall ‘Zagreb’
Achillea millefolium Yarrow- Ornamental ‘Terracotta’, ‘Paprika’, Evergreen 2 FS,PS P 18” - 3’ 2’ Year round ‘Strawberry Paprika’, etc
Yarrow (aggressive Achillea millefolium y Evergreen 1 M FS,PS PB 18” - 3’ 18” - 3’ Year round M y spreader/lawn alternative)
Kinnickinnick/Common Arctostaphylos uva-ursi y Evergreen 1 DM FS,PS,S BP 4” - 1’ 3’ Year round E,M,EC Bearberry
Lamium - ‘Beacon Silver’, Summer to Lamium 2 FS,PS,S y ‘White Nancy’, ‘Chequers’ Fall
Phlox - Spreading Phlox diffusa y 1 FS PB 4” - 6” 4” - 1’ Spring
Pussytoes - ‘Pink’ (can Antennaria dioica ‘Rubra’ Evergreen 1 FS,PS,S P 2” - 18” 1’ Year round y spread/self seed)
Pussytoes (pink to rose) Antennaria rosea y Evergreen 1 FS,PS,S P 2” - 18” 1’ Year round M y (can spread/self seed)
Wooly Thyme Thymus pseudolanuginosus Evergreen 1 FS,PS P 1” 3’ Year round Strawberry- Wild (will Fragaria virginiana y 2 FS,PS PB 6” 18” Year round E,M y spread)
Strawberry (Everbearing/ Fragaria x ‘Tristar’ 2 FS,PS PB 6” 2’ Year round E y Day neutral)
AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE 62 APPENDIX B -PLANTS TO AVOID IN ANY OKANAGAN GARDEN SHRUBS AND TREES PERENNIALS Russian Olive (Eleagnus angustifolia) Donkeytail (Euphorbia myrsinites) – has already spread into grasslands; Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) - It reaches heights of 1-3 (4) m, shading latex in stems toxic and can cause rashes to humans out understorey species. Seeds spread most quickly via water, and along Euphorbia in general roadways Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) – seeds extensively and spreads into Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila) grasslands Tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) - a huge pest in the U.S Southwest and Vetches, especially American Vetch could become one here with climate change English violet (Viola odorata) – toxic to native butterfly that feeds on violets Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Baby’s Breath (Gypsophyla paniculata) Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Wildflower mixes in general - often contain invasive species for this area
VINES INVASIVE AQUATIC SPECIES Silver Lace Vine (Polygonum aubertii) - strangles other plants Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) - it can displace valuable habitat for Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) - white fly and can take over flora and fauna. Dense infestations have been known to clog canals and huge areas if allowed to spread ditches impeding water flow. English Ivy - much more of a problem on the Coast, but can get out of hand Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus) - particularly bad for cattails, sedges and here too rushes that are used by many birds for nesting Milfoil (Eurasian Watermilfoil) (Myriophyllum spicatum) - this invasive plant has the ability to outcompete with and replace native plant communities, reducing overall biological diversity and reducing water quality. Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) - cultivars brought in from Europe and Asia, for ornamental use and as pasture grasses, hybridize with native populations of the grass, and produce aggressive offspring in the central and western regions of the continent
63 AN OKANAGAN HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO USING RAIN AS A RESOURCE
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