managing the way water flows 167
Managing the Way Water Flows
When water flows into the ground or into waterways,
it is called drainage. Good drainage reduces the
dangers of flooding and erosion, and helps more
water soak into the ground. Poor drainage causes
soil erosion and stagnant water.
The best way to improve drainage
is to make the surface water after a
rainfall (called runoff) “walk off”
rather than “run off,” so that it slows
down, spreads out, and sinks into the
ground. To do this:
• Avoid cutting down plants and
trees, especially on slopes and
along streams and rivers.
• Direct surface water to plants,
irrigation ditches, and low areas.
Gardens can be planted or fishponds
built in places where water collects
(see page 309).
Regular cleaning of drainage channels
helps prevent flooding and illness.
• Build live barriers, low walls, and other erosion control structures to hold
and direct surface water (see page 293).
• Improve soil using sustainable farming methods, so water sinks into the
ground (see pages 282 to 289).
• Direct wastewater from taps and wells
into drainage ditches or soakaway
pits (see page 82).
• Collect runoff from
roofs in cisterns and
containers for drinking
water (see page 86),
or direct it into ponds,
fields, and gardens.
• Maintain roadside plant
life or build drainage
channels alongside roads
and keep them clear of
blockages.
Turn rainwater into a household resource.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012