Preventing Pollution Runoff with Low Impact Development
An Innovative (Yet Simple) Approach to Managing Storm Water Pollution
Low impact development practices are innovative yet simple techniques that aim to mimic nature’s way of dealing with storm water. When rainwater is allowed to pool and penetrate the ground’s surface slowly, it is filtered through the soil, which removes pollutants naturally before the water reaches creeks and the Bay. 
By using design elements that slow the flow of rainwater and allow it to percolate into the soil where it falls, low impact development ("LID") can prevent polluted storm water runoff from entering creeks, rivers and the Bay.
Low Impact Development in the Bay Area
When homes and buildings around the Bay Area are fitted to capture and absorb storm water, the amount of polluted runoff to the Bay is significantly reduced, which means a healthier marine environment for the fish and wildlife that live in the Bay. LID techniques are already being used all around the Bay Area. The most famous example is probably the large-scale roof garden planted atop the new California Academy of Sciences building that absorbs an estimated 3.6 million gallons of rainwater every year that might otherwise become polluted runoff.
How You Can Use LID
You don’t need to build a multi-million dollar structure to incorporate LID practices into your home, neighborhood or community. LID techniques aren’t just for new developments either – they can be incorporated into existing structures with a few adjustments.
- For more information on how to make your home or business runoff-friendly, visit Baykeeper’s Homeowner's Guide to LID.
- A growing number of communities are finding success incorporating low impact development strategies in their General Plans and permits in order to reduce storm water pollution. City officials and staff are invited to review Baykeeper’s Low Impact Development Resources for Cities.
