Concrete and asphalt prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground. You might consider alternative materials such as gravel or wood chips. Where you need a more solid surface, consider using a “porous pavement” made from interlocking cement blocks or pavers that allow rainwater to seep into the ground. If you must have a solid surface keep the area as short and narrow as possible.

Some storm water risks can be controlled by making landscaping changes. Bare soil often exist in vegetable and flower gardens, on newly seeded lawns, and around construction projects. Even on gentle slopes, water from rain and snow can remove large amounts of soil and carry it to wetlands, rivers and lakes.

Straw bales, diversion ditches and commercially available silt fences around construction sites can help slow runoff and trap sediment onsite. If you are working with a contractor, insist that precautions are taken to control runoff and erosion during construction

Straw or mulch on gardens or newly seeded areas will slow erosion.

Planting grass or other ground covers is the best way to stop erosion.

Your house roof, like pavement, sheds water. If downspouts from roof gutters empty onto grassy areas, the water will have a chance to soak into the ground. For roofs without gutters, plant grass, spread mulch, or use gravel under the drip line to prevent soil erosion and increase the ground’s capacity to absorb water.

An essential part of storm water management is keeping water from leaving your property, or least slowing its flow. Instead of running water off your property, you could provide low areas landscaped with shrubs and flowers to encourage water to soak into the ground. Hilly lots can be terraced to slow the flow of runoff and make mowing and gardening easier. Why not naturalize areas with woodland or wetland plants.