Low Impact Development Tools Ecological Footprint
Natural Water Balance Modeling
Apply water balance computer modeling to determine the impact of development on the watershed and using this information in community planning and engineering designs (see www.waterbalance.ca). ALIDP members receive exclusive access to this award-winning planning tool.
Conservation Landscaping
There are many ways that designers, planners, engineers, and the everyday homeowner can improve water quality in their communities. Using landscape designs and practices that optimize the use of stormwater runoff, or encouraging low water use plants, can improve soil and planting conditions, enhance natural plant health and reduce the maintenance and the need to use fertilizers or other chemicals. Click on the link to view some examples and more information.
Stormwater Capture and Re-use
In some areas, stormwater may be reused for irrigation and other purposes where potable water is not necessary. Reusing stormwater reduces pollution and stream erosion, improves watershed hydrology, and restores the natural hydrologic regime. It can be as simple as using a rainbarrel to water outdoor plants, or involve more complex designs to re-use water to flush toilets. Click on the link to view more examples.
Ecological Footprint
Natural Water Balance Modeling
Apply water balance computer modeling to determine the impact of development on the watershed and using this information in community planning and engineering designs (see www.waterbalance.ca). ALIDP members receive exclusive access to this award-winning planning tool.
Conservation Landscaping
There are many ways that designers, planners, engineers, and the everyday homeowner can improve water quality in their communities. Using landscape designs and practices that optimize the use of stormwater runoff, or encouraging low water use plants, can improve soil and planting conditions, enhance natural plant health and reduce the maintenance and the need to use fertilizers or other chemicals. Click on the link to view some examples and more information.
Stormwater Capture and Re-use
In some areas, stormwater may be reused for irrigation and other purposes where potable water is not necessary. Reusing stormwater reduces pollution and stream erosion, improves watershed hydrology, and restores the natural hydrologic regime. It can be as simple as using a rainbarrel to water outdoor plants, or involve more complex designs to re-use water to flush toilets. Click on the link to view more examples.
A diverse set of tools and techniques can be used to achieve low impact development objectives: from modest changes to landscape practices, to more technical tools, such as computer modeling and green infrastructure designs. Here we have compiled some resources to help organizations take action implementing LID techniques.
Please click on the links to the right or the menu bar above for more information and access to these tools. |
