Today's human
population is on the rise and impervious surfaces are right behind them. An
impervious surface is something that is hard that does not allow water to
infiltrate into the ground below. They are often man-made surfaces such as driveways,
rooftops, or other hard surfaces. Impervious surfaces prevent shorelines from
performing their natural functions. They negatively impact the ability of trees
and native plants to serve as a food source and shelter for wildlife. Water is
unable to soak into the hard ground causing storm water runoff that inundates
our lakes and rivers while carrying pollutants with it. Rivers and lakes are
both highly impacted by increased numbers of impervious surfaces. There are
several important reasons to limit the amount of impervious surfaces,
especially when these surfaces are close to a lake, river, or stream.
Often when people are looking for waterfront property, the first thing
they think about is how they intend to use the water for their pleasure. Even
though everyone may not agree on what the best use is for their water front
property, one thing everyone can agree on is that having healthy, clean water
where they live is important. Studies show that murky or cloudy water contributes
to a decrease in properties values around the body of water. Impervious
surfaces contribute to decreased water clarity in two ways. Runoff can cause an
increase in soil erosion which causes more soil to be washed away into the lake,
making the water cloudy. Additionally, runoff from impervious surfaces can
carry up to six times more phosphorous than an undeveloped lot. When this
occurs, there is a greater risk for increased algae growth which can lower
water quality and decrease overall aesthetic appeal of the water.
An increase in impervious
surfaces potentially leads to a decrease in fish populations. When water runs
off these surfaces, nutrients are transferred into the water body causing less
oxygen in the water. Sediment also increases with runoff which can increase algae
growth, making it difficult for fish to see their prey. Sediment can also have
an effect on fish reproduction, falling on top of fish nests, inhibiting their eggs
from hatching. When humans remove aquatic vegetation and the construct beaches,
there is a large loss of habitat for large and small species of fish. When
habitat declines, there are fewer options for food that in turn causes numbers
to decline rapidly.
Impervious surfaces also
negatively affect groundwater recharging which can alter water levels. Because
water cannot infiltrate the hard surface, it does not recharge the groundwater
below, instead quickly running off the surface. This is especially problematic during
dry periods when streams rely heavily on ground water recharging to have a
consistent flow. During the hottest part of the year, warm runoff water can increase
stream temperatures and put stress on fish that require cold water
temperatures.
Impervious surfaces greatly
impact wildlife such as birds that lose valuable nesting areas and protection
from predators when humans build in important habitat areas. We can minimize
impacts to wildlife by limiting impervious surfaces and restoring wildlife
habitat. Waterfowl in particular are impacted by increased runoff that can
cause water levels to rise drastically throughout the year. With increases in
water level during the nesting season a lot of ducklings have a hard time
surviving.
Humans can mitigate these issues
by replacing shorelines with a vegetative buffer thus restoring shorelines to
their natural states. By taking care of shoreline plants we can help slow
runoff and also provide habitats for wildlife. We can also help the environment
by reducing hard surfaces on our property. For instance, sharing a drive way
with your neighbor or converting pavement into a more absorbent material. Capturing
runoff by using rain barrels or diverting water into a rain garden also
decreases the amount running off into lakes and rivers. By minimizing the use
of fertilizer and thus nutrients that are washed into the lake by runoff, we
can greatly help our waters and the species that depend on them.
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