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Why is Runoff a
Problem?
Stormwater runoff is the flow of water from rain or melting
snow that does not soak into the ground. Under natural
forested conditions, when soils are not frozen, much of the
water soaks into the ground. But as an area becomes
developed or altered with roads, driveways, or impervious
services (rooftops, decks, walkways, compacted soil areas, and parking lots), less
water can seep into the soil, so runoff increases. This
increased runoff is generally channeled into streams, ditches, drainage ways, storm sewers, or road gullies and often ends up in
Hauser Lake.
High flows of water can cause flooding or erosion, as well as
increase the amount of sediment and pollutants, such as
petroleum products, pesticides, fertilizers, bacteria, and
metals that enter Hauser Lake.
The movement of
phosphorus and nitrogen from the land to surface water
accelerates eutrophication or premature aging of the lake.
This can cause excessive plant and algae growth. Ultimately this
can result in a low dissolved oxygen condition harming fish and
other wildlife.
Your property alone
probably is not a significant source of pollution, but the
cumulative effect of all the properties in the Hauser Lake
watershed has a considerable impact on water quality.
What is Lake*A*Syst?
It is a Lakeshore Assessment System; a voluntary
program designed to help protect Hauser Lake by providing
residents with information and recommendations on how to reduce
their impacts on the lake.
Lake*A*Syst is a 3-step process:
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Read each section
and complete the Homeowners Risk Assessment Sheet.
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Complete the
Action Checklist Worksheet to inventory your stormwater
sources.
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Take action
to protect water quality by implementing the Best Management
Practices (BMP) described in each section of this book.
How do I
complete the worksheet?
After reviewing the information
provided, go to the worksheet and check what applies to you.
This should take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete the
worksheet and summarize your risk rankings.
Download and Print
Stormwater Runoff Management
Download and Print Homeowner
Risk Assessment Worksheet
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