Have you paid attention to your downspouts lately? These are the vertical pipes used to drain rainwater off a roof.
Downspouts from your gutters may be directed to driveways or channeled through buried pipes to streets, swales, curb inlets, or streams. Downspouts contribute to the heavy inflow of rainwater into the stormwater sewer system and, eventually, to nearby streams.
By disconnecting your downspout and redirecting the runoff onto grass or into a landscaped area or your yard, you can interrupt that flow. It is a simple, effective way to reduce stormwater runoff volume --and water pollution. According to research from NC State University, you can reduce the runoff volume from your roof anywhere from 50 to 90%.
For information on properly disconnecting your roof downspouts visit the Carrboro’s Homeowner’s Watershed and Stormwater Handbook ( https://townofcarrboro.org/2324/Stormwater-Homeowners-Manual) or request a site visit from Stormwater staff for technical advice via the Stormwater Service Request Form (https://townofcarrboro.org/FormCenter/Public-Works-Department-23/Stormwater-Service-Request-134) or by email (Stormwater@CarrboroNC.gov) or call the Hotline at 919-913-2999.
