Property Design

Storm water runoff, and the problems associated with it, are a large contributor to lake-issues.  Storm water carries with it nutrients from fertilizers, pesticides and sediment among other things, and can build in both volume and speed as it runs downhill, causing further erosion.  Properly dealing with and trying to prevent storm water runoff are important lake protection measures.  Below are five suggestions for making your property more lake-friendly.

1. Create Buffers - A buffer, or "riparian buffer", is a strip of land with vegetation such as plants, shrubs and trees along the shoreline separating your lawn from the water.  This strip of land helps to stabilize the shoreline and prevent erosion while catching runoff from your lawn.  It will help to absorb things such as fertilizers and pesticides and trap sediment before they can enter the Lake.  In addition, it also provides habitat for birds and other small wildlife while acting as a barrier to nuisance Canada geese who may fear a predatory animal is hiding in there.
2. Install Rain Gardens/Rain Barrels - A rain garden is a depression in the ground, which is filled with plants and shrubs, that acts to catch runoff from rooftop downspouts, driveways etc.  The depression fills with the water so that it doesn't run down the property, and the water is absorbed into the soil and used by the plants.  A rain barrel would also collect rooftop runoff from downspouts, however rain barrels collect and hold the water for such things as gardening and watering other yard plants.
3. Reduce Impervious Surfaces - Impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways and sidewalks don't absorb storm water.  Instead it runs down those surfaces, building in speed and volume.  Reducing the amount and effects from impervious surfaces is important.  One such way is to reduce the overall impervious surface totals on one's property.  Replacing an asphalt driveway or cement walkway with a more porous surface, such as block or crushed stone, is one such method.  Some municipalities around Candlewood Lake have zoning regulations relative to impervious surface coverage - please check with your municipality for details.
4. Less Lawn, More Native Plants -  Replace lawn with native plant, shrub and tree cover on your property.  Their roots help to stabilize the soil,  preventing erosion, and they help to filter runoff of nutrients and sediment before it enters streams, storm drains and the Lake.  Additionally native plants, shrubs, trees and grasses are better suited to the conditions found in Connecticut and can survive without needing additional water or a lot of inputs such as fertilizer.
5. Ensure Proper Lot Drainage -  By adding culverts, diversions, ditches, sump pumps etc. where necessary you can help to prevent erosion and encourage infiltration of runoff into soil.  We recommend consulting with a professional and contacting your local land use office to ensure you are in compliance before redirecting drainage water.
6. Utilize Twisting, Narrow Paths - Long straight paths and walkways that lead down a hill (and especially towards the Lake), act as direct water chutes into the lake, carrying nutrients, sediment and debris with the water.  By creating a narrow, twisting path, the water won't have a straight run into the lake and instead it will encourage infiltration of the runoff into the soil.your own text and edit me. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.