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How to Redirect Water Flow

Water flows along streams and riverbeds, following the path of least resistance as its guided by the laws of physics, namely gravity, eventually making its way to the sea. Overflowing riverbanks are easily eroded, resulting in new shapes for meandering streams and deltas. Even your lawn or garden can experience some degradation during heavy rains, especially if you live on a slope. You can avert this problem by redirecting rainwater's natural path. You'll need to get familiar with the water flow patterns in your yard. With small modifications, you might even store some of that water instead of allowing it to run down the sewer drain.

Things You'll Need

Raincoat
Survey flags
Rainwater catchment
Rocks

Instructions

- 1
  Observe the areas of your yard during a heavy rain event. Don your raincoat and go outside to see where the water flows and pools and where it drains.
- 2
  Flag the paths where rain water flows, and any areas where rainwater collects without draining. Use survey markers that have small flags for easy visibility and stick them in the ground. Place them around the perimeter of low-lying elevations and down paths that the rain has cut.
- 3
  Note where cascading water shoots out of drainpipes and where it gushes onto your lawn. Watch where water gushes onto your sidewalk and follow the path up the slope.
- 4
  Fill in depressions in your lawn with topsoil to encourage grass to grow at an even elevation, and stop water from pooling there.
- 5
  Divert water at gutter rain spouts by adding a rainwater catchment container. Get an eco-friendly PVC container and attach the gutter for easy collection. Using this, you'll have rainwater for your plants during the dry season.
- 6
  Set up a short rock wall near your highest elevation to redirect water flow in a different direction. Use large rocks in a long row, and fill in gaps with smaller ones. Use rocks to divert water away from flowerbeds or playgrounds and toward a drainage area, such as a French drain, or down a driveway.

Nature