1. The Problem is the Solution
Presented by James Spicer of
Green Country Permaculture

2. Storm Runoff Definition:Precipitation not absorbed by the landscape
Patterns: Confluential (flash flooding)
Accumulating (pollution)
Erosive (soil and nutrient loss and siltation)
Mismanagement of a valuable resource
There is a cycle of interconnected parts.

3. Augmentation of Landscapes
Permeable Surfaces
Drain Pipes to the Street
Compaction of Soil
Replacement of Native Vegetation

4. Effects of Draining a Landscape
Groundwater Depletion
Arterial Convergence Downstream
Expensive Centralized Systems Development
Erosion and Soil/Nutrient Loss and Siltation
Increased Drought Proneness on Landscape

5. Desertification- a Positive Feedback
Drain the landscape
Plants Roots and Microorganisms Die off (humus)
Soil Structure declines (Soil loss and compaction)
Drainage Increases
Groundwater Depletion and Decrease in Rainfall

6. Drought and its Effects
Falling Reservoir Levels
Demand on top of Scarcity (irrigation)
Increased Pollutant Concentration
Increased Chemical Treatment of Water
Peak Delivery Issues and New Development
Plant Stress
Increased Water Needs
Loss in bio-productivity on landscape

7. Patterns High and Dry (episodic change vs. rhythmic stability)
Water is most damaging when allowed to channelize
Absorption of water is a big limiting factor

8. Swales Definition: Water harvesting ditch on contour.
Functions: To slow down, catch, and store precipitation and runoff in the soil.
Recharge Groundwater
Mitigate Flooding and Erosion
Increase Bio-productivity
Reduce Irrigation Demand Medium for Plants and Bio-Filtration