ᐅ Letting Rainwater Infiltrate the Ground – A Cost-Effective Solution?
Created on: 28 Mar 2021 06:37
F
Fragenasker
Hello everyone,
I am looking for an affordable way to prevent our rainwater from flowing onto neighboring properties and to avoid unnecessary disputes with neighbors.
Regarding our specific situation:
Brandenburg, property size only 440 m2 (4736 sq ft), single-family house with a pitched roof. After subtracting sealed surfaces, about 250 m2 (2691 sq ft) of garden area remain, where the water should theoretically infiltrate. A rainwater cistern is not mandatory for us.
After some research, I have read that a cistern is only worthwhile for larger properties. Since we plan to have just some lawn and possibly a small flower bed on the property, but no additional trees, hedges, or shrubs, we consider a cistern unsuitable in our case.
We also do not want to create water basins due to the risk for children and potential mosquito breeding.
At least, we plan to build the driveway to the carport with a "bound gravel surface," which offers some water permeability.
Now to the question: Does anyone have similar property conditions or other practical, cost-effective ideas to prevent our rainwater from flowing onto neighboring properties during very rainy periods?
I am looking for an affordable way to prevent our rainwater from flowing onto neighboring properties and to avoid unnecessary disputes with neighbors.
Regarding our specific situation:
Brandenburg, property size only 440 m2 (4736 sq ft), single-family house with a pitched roof. After subtracting sealed surfaces, about 250 m2 (2691 sq ft) of garden area remain, where the water should theoretically infiltrate. A rainwater cistern is not mandatory for us.
After some research, I have read that a cistern is only worthwhile for larger properties. Since we plan to have just some lawn and possibly a small flower bed on the property, but no additional trees, hedges, or shrubs, we consider a cistern unsuitable in our case.
We also do not want to create water basins due to the risk for children and potential mosquito breeding.
At least, we plan to build the driveway to the carport with a "bound gravel surface," which offers some water permeability.
Now to the question: Does anyone have similar property conditions or other practical, cost-effective ideas to prevent our rainwater from flowing onto neighboring properties during very rainy periods?
F
Fragenasker28 Mar 2021 10:17What would be the downside of using two rainwater barrels (decorative, so not the plain green ones), possibly equipped with a tap, so that the water can occasionally be used with a hose for lawn irrigation after a day of rain? I have no idea, but for example, two 200-liter (approximately 53 gallons) rain barrels, one at each downspout, should be sufficient for the property, right? The cost would probably be about the same (no additional excavation costs or effort for installation compared to other options), and the water could be used from time to time. From my amateur perspective, only the appearance would speak against it.
M
motorradsilke28 Mar 2021 10:35If there is heavy rain, that is not enough. And if they then overflow, you have the water directly at the house.
During a heavy rain, there can be up to 10 liters per square meter per hour (0.26 gallons per square foot per hour). With a roof area of, for example, 150 square meters (1,615 square feet), that amounts to 1,500 liters (396 gallons). You can imagine how far you get with 200 liters (53 gallons). That would be a brief, light drizzle.
During a heavy rain, there can be up to 10 liters per square meter per hour (0.26 gallons per square foot per hour). With a roof area of, for example, 150 square meters (1,615 square feet), that amounts to 1,500 liters (396 gallons). You can imagine how far you get with 200 liters (53 gallons). That would be a brief, light drizzle.
F
Fragenasker28 Mar 2021 18:37Okay,
I guess I will have to go with a cistern after all. When I compare all the construction work and costs, including options like a soakaway, it really only makes sense to choose a cistern, especially since all options either cause the water to infiltrate or to be stored. So it’s better to store it for later use in a cistern with around 5000 liters (1300 gallons).
Water does not flow from the street onto our property, and we also had our house built on a raised slab higher than the standard offering. We have no trees and no neighbors close by.
The soil report for our property states: fine sand with silt up to 1.40 m (4.6 ft) and then glacial till clay up to 6 m (20 ft) deep. The soil is classified as very poorly permeable and therefore considered “not insurable” according to DIN 18 130 Part 1.
I guess I will have to go with a cistern after all. When I compare all the construction work and costs, including options like a soakaway, it really only makes sense to choose a cistern, especially since all options either cause the water to infiltrate or to be stored. So it’s better to store it for later use in a cistern with around 5000 liters (1300 gallons).
Water does not flow from the street onto our property, and we also had our house built on a raised slab higher than the standard offering. We have no trees and no neighbors close by.
The soil report for our property states: fine sand with silt up to 1.40 m (4.6 ft) and then glacial till clay up to 6 m (20 ft) deep. The soil is classified as very poorly permeable and therefore considered “not insurable” according to DIN 18 130 Part 1.
Similar topics