Alternatives for Pollution Reduction in Residential Developments

Groundwater is an extremely vital and precious resource. We use it for just about everything. But have you ever thought about what you would do if you were able to get as much water as you wanted but could not drink any of it because it was too contaminated? This is an issue that millions of people face every single day. The goal of this book is to educate the public on ways to reduce nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. The traditional techniques include bioretention basins and detention basins. These techniques are at times not suitable for residential areas because they may not blend well into communities. These techniques are viewed as eye sores. The upside is that there are various alternatives to these traditional methods, which are known as “green” alternatives. This book will examine the “green” alternatives such as green roofs, vegetative enhancements, porous pavement, rain gardens, rain barrels, and riparian forested buffers. The goal is to show a wide range of audiences, both professionals and homeowners, that many of these alternatives are viable options when compared to the traditional techniques.