Manage Water Wisely
Purpose Protect and improve water quality, reduce flooding risks, and ensure adequate water supplies in the Barnegat Bay watershed by using green infrastructure and water conservation practices. Stormwater Management and Green Infrastructure In a 2016 analysis of water quality within the bay’s watershed, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) reported that five segments of […]
Step 3: Manage Water Wisely
Purpose
Protect and improve water quality, reduce flooding risks, and ensure adequate water supplies in the Barnegat Bay watershed by using green infrastructure and water conservation practices.
Stormwater Management and Green Infrastructure
Why It’s Important
Climate experts predict heavy precipitation events will occur more often and with more intensity in the coming years, resulting in an increase in nuisance and major flooding in many areas. In many cases, existing stormwater systems (storm drains, detention basins, culverts, etc.) designed for rainfall amounts from 20 years ago will not be able to handle the additional stormwater, exacerbating flooding that is already causing problems in our watershed.
Locally, stormwater from the developed landscape will bring additional pollutants into our already stressed streams, rivers, and ultimately the Barnegat Bay.
In a 2016 analysis of water quality within the bay’s watershed, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) reported that five segments of the bay and 24 tributaries do not meet assigned designated uses, often due to excessive nutrients from fertilizers and other pollutants delivered in stormwater runoff.
To address these statewide issues, the NJDEP revised the NJ Stormwater Management Rules (NJAC 7:8) in 2020 to require the use of green infrastructure (GI) to better manage stormwater close to its source. GI uses vegetation, soils, and other elements to restore some of the natural processes for managing water on a site, enabling stormwater and melting snow to soak into the ground or be captured for beneficial re-use.
The use of GI to manage and retain the stormwater on developed sites benefits us all by:
- Minimizing the flow of stormwater and pollutants into the stormwater system and local waterways,
- Replenishing drinking water supplies,
- Reducing local flooding risks,
- Creating habitat for wildlife, and
- Adding green space to communities.
Standard Action
3A: Identify at least two potential Green Infrastructure projects for your municipality.
Municipal Green Infrastructure (GI) projects will not only improve management of stormwater, they will also provide examples and inspiration to the community. Take advantage of opportunities to incorporate GI into new public projects, such as road or parking lot construction, or use GI to solve an existing problem, such as poor drainage on a sports field. Types of GI to consider include:
- Rain gardens,
- Cisterns or rain barrels,
- Bioswales,
- Bioretention basins,
- Downspout planters,
- Tree filter boxes, and
- Pervious pavement.
Proper design, construction, and maintenance are essential to the success of a GI project. The NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual provides detailed guidance on the design, construction, and maintenance of GI, and the NJ Green Infrastructure Municipal Toolkit includes a list of additional GI resources.
Education is an important component of any project. It can be incorporated in a variety of ways, such as the following:
- Community volunteers assisting with planting and/or maintenance tasks,
- Educational signage at the site,
- Information on the municipal website,
- Educational brochures, and
- Programs, workshops, and/or trainings about GI.
What to submit for Action 3A: For each potential Green Infrastructure project identified, submit the following information: project type and location, description of the project including its purpose and approximate size and scope, and opportunities for education and community engagement.
Resources
- NJ Stormwater Management Rules
- NJ Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual
- NJ Future: NJ Green Infrastructure Municipal Toolkit
- Rutgers NJAES: Green Infrastructure Guidance Manual for New Jersey
- EPA Green Infrastructure
Water Conservation
Why It’s Important
Conserving water, reusing it whenever possible, and returning it to groundwater are critical to protecting water supplies for both people and wildlife. Increases in water demand along with population growth has already stressed water supplies in some Barnegat Bay watershed communities. The climate in both winter and summer is predicted to be warmer and more uneven, potentially affecting both supplies and demands for water. Freshwater is also vital to a healthy Barnegat Bay, which depends on an adequate flow of freshwater to maintain appropriate salinity and nutrient levels to sustain life in the bay.
More than 7 billion gallons of freshwater are used in the U.S. every day to irrigate landscapes. As much as 50% of the water used outdoors is wasted because of inefficient watering methods and systems. This wasted water also contributes to water pollution. As excess water from inefficient watering practices runs off yards and down storm drains, it can pick up and carry pollutants with it. More efficient use of water outdoors not only conserves water supplies, it also protects water quality.
Standard Action
3B: Implement water conservation practices on a landscaped municipal property.
Use the following water conservation practices to reduce water usage on a landscaped municipal property for which a base map has been prepared (see step 1B).
1. Select Drought-Tolerant Plants
For turf areas
When establishing new turf or renovating existing turf (including re-seeding or over-seeding), lawn watering needs can be minimized by selecting grass species resistant to drought and heat. Once established, turf-type tall fescue and fine fescue species require less water (and less fertilizer) than other species (e.g., Kentucky blue grass). See Rutgers Cooperative Extension fact sheets FS990 and FS688 for information about recommended varieties of tall and fine fescues.
For non-turf landscaped areas
When replanting existing beds or adding new ones, choose drought-tolerant plants that are native to New Jersey. Well-adapted to the soil and climate conditions in the Barnegat Bay watershed, native plants thrive on normal rainfall and need little, if any, additional watering. Use the searchable Jersey-Friendly Yards plant database to guide the selection of drought-tolerant native plants best suited to the conditions at the planting site.
What to submit for Action 3B-1: Base map showing the location and approximate size of any areas seeded or reseeded with drought-tolerant grass species and the specifications of the grass mix used; list of the scientific names of drought-tolerant native species planted and planting locations shown on the base map.
2. Conserve Soil Moisture
For turf areas:
Mow high and use mulching mowers on turf. Rutgers recommends a minimum mowing height of 2.5 to 3 inches for most cool season grasses. Keeping turf at the proper height shades grass roots, reduces evaporation of soil moisture, and encourages the growth of deeper roots, resulting in a more drought-resistant turf. Use mulching mowers and leave the grass clippings, which provide a natural source of organic matter to the soil.
For landscaped non-turf areas:
Shade the soil in landscaped areas through one or more of the following practices:
- Use native plant groundcovers to protect soil moisture levels. Groundcovers provide multiple benefits – they shade the soil and reduce evaporation, moderate soil temperatures, suppress the growth of weeds, prevent soil erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife.
- Apply mulch to protect soil moisture levels. Mulch depth should be no more than 2 to 4 inches, and there should be a space for air circulation between mulch and the base of trees and shrubs.
- Incorporate native shade trees and/or shrubs into the landscape, which will increase the amount of shaded area and decrease the water needs of surrounding plants.
What to submit for Action 3B-2: Summary of practices used to protect soil moisture levels on the property, indicating locations on the base map where possible.
3. Maximize Efficiency of Any Irrigation Systems
If any irrigation systems are used on the property, implement the following best management practices.
Irrigation system design/set-up
- Ensure that irrigation systems do not water sidewalks, driveways and other impervious surfaces.
- Establish separate spray zones based on drainage areas (e.g., some zones are better suited for more or less water) and/or plant needs (e.g., group plants with similar water needs together).
- Use water-efficient technologies (e.g., irrigation controllers or high-efficiency sprinkler bodies). WaterSense, an EPA partnership program, provides excellent information about water-efficient products and services.
- Install drip irrigation systems wherever possible, such as around trees and shrubs or in flower beds.
Irrigation schedule
How often and how much you water depends on many factors, such as the soil and plant types in your landscape and the weather. A schedule needs to be flexible and adjustable – it should change with soil moisture levels, weather conditions (e.g., no watering when heavy rain is predicted or on windy days), and the seasons. Timing is important! Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation loss, and avoid watering at night, which can lead to fungal plant diseases.
Periodic maintenance checks
Monitor systems, including sprinkler heads, frequently throughout the watering season and address any issues quickly. Sprinkler heads should be checked for breaks or leaks and to make sure water is directed where needed. Irrigation systems should be tested to ensure the zones are programmed correctly. Keep records of irrigation system maintenance checks and corrective actions.
What to submit for Action 3B-3: Description of irrigation system design/set-up and water-efficient technologies being used; irrigation schedule, including how adjustments are made; and at least one year of irrigation system maintenance records.
Cross-connections with Sustainable Jersey Actions
Stormwater/Green Infrastructure Resources
- NJ Stormwater Management Rules
- NJ Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual
- NJ Future: NJ Green Infrastructure Municipal Toolkit
- Rutgers NJAES: Green Infrastructure Guidance Manual for New Jersey
- EPA Green Infrastructure
Model Stormwater Ordinances
- NJ Future: Enhanced Model Stormwater Ordinance
- Sustainable Jersey: Enhanced Stormwater Control Model Ordinance for Municipalities
- The Watershed Institute: Enhanced Model Stormwater Ordinance
Water Conservation Resources
- Jersey-Friendly Yards: Step 3
- Save the Source
- EPA WaterSense
- EPA WaterSense: Water Efficiency Management Guide – Landscaping and Irrigation
- EPA WaterSense at Work: Best Management Practices for Commercial and Institutional Facilities
- US Department of Energy: Best Practices for Water-Efficient Irrigation
- Rutgers Cooperative Extension: Tall Fescue Varieties for New Jersey Sports Fields
- NJ Watersavers – Municipalities: Mowing
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