What is Downspout Disconnection?
Downspout disconnection is the technical term for diverting rainwater from rooftops onto a vegetated surface rather than into the storm sewer system. In the City of Baltimore and parts of Baltimore County, most of the rain that falls is conveyed directly to local streams via pipes, culverts and storm drains. All water that is not absorbed, or otherwise retained where it falls, is called stormwater or urban runoff. In urban and suburban settings, a majority of precipitation becomes stormwater due to the high percentages of impervious surfaces, which prevent the natural process of water infiltration. Impervious surfaces include rooftops, roads, sidewalks, and roofs. Stormwater picks up nutrients, particulates, sediment, debris, pathogens, heavy metals, automobile fluids, and toxins, delivering them to the local stream and ultimately to the Chesapeake Bay. By disconnecting downspouts, we will reduce the volume of storm water as well as the pollutant load that negatively impacts our waterways.
The Difference Between a Connected and Disconnected Downspout
If your downspout is ‘connected,’ it conveys water from your roof directly to the road and storm sewer pipes. Connected downspouts cause stream bank erosion, stream flooding, and water pollution. A ‘connected’ downspout looks like this:
If your downspout is ‘disconnected,’ it conveys rain from your roof onto your yard, helping to protect the streams. A ‘disconnected’ downspout looks like this:
Sign up today to do your part to protect our streams!
Contact Dana Puzey at 410-254-1577 x106 or dpuzey@jonesfalls.org.
You can also send in a registration form.
Learn more about the program, what happens on your property, and the discounts and rebates offered through the program.
