February 2011 Water Source

The Water Source February 2011 Issue from Ben Meadows

The Water Source | A Free eNewsletter from Ben Meadows | 1-800-241-6401

February 2011

Featured Products Our online Water Guide can help you find the products and information you need to get the job done.Click here.

Nalgene® Stormwater Sampler	Ultra-GutterGuard® Gutter Inserts	PETZL® VERTEX Vent Helmets	Contractor's Grade Silt Fencing

Hello everyone and thanks for opening The Water Source.

This issue I want to discuss a concept called Green Infrastructure which has been gaining more and more popularity in the past decade or two. "Green Infrastructure" is a very general term which could be defined completely different depending on who you ask, but since this is The Water Source we will be talking in terms of benefits to stormwater systems.

Also, don't forget about your chance to win by answering the Spout Off question at the end of this eNewsletter. And, as always, if you have any interesting stories or topics you come across, drop me an email at editor@benmeadows.com and maybe you'll see it in a future edition of The Water Source!

Brian
Ben Meadows Product Pro

Green Infrastructure

As areas become more developed, storm water runoff and pollution increase becoming more of a problem. Green Infrastructure consists of any method that helps reverse this process, reducing the amount of water running into stormwater drains and helping restore the natural water cycle. This can include anything from small scale changes around the house to large scale city changes. Some examples are:

Disconnecting or Diverting Downspouts—On most buildings and houses, stormwater is collected by eaves and gutters and then routed to storm drains. By disconnecting downspouts, water can be diverted to areas like gardens, lawns, or even Rain Barrels for storage of natural, unchlorinated water. This helps reduce contribution to sewer overflows and runoff pollution by restoring the natural water cycle.

Planter Boxes, Rain Gardens and Other Vegetation—Ground covered by vegetation not only helps with decreasing stormwater runoff by allowing rainwater to soak into soil, but it also increases aesthetic value, helps breakdown pollutants through natural plant processes, and releases rainwater back into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration.

One thing to keep in mind when building rain gardens and planter boxes is that if you use weed barriers, use Permeable Weed Barrier Fabrics instead of solid plastics that act as a barrier for natural water drainage. If adding vegetation to sloped areas, Biodegradable Erosion Control Blankets are helpful in stopping erosion and allowing a root system to develop.

Green Roofs—On a larger scale, covering rooftops with vegetation helps in the same way. Some studies suggest that green roofs can decrease rooftop runoff up to 90%. In densely populated cities, this could help substantially as most of the rainfall lands on either rooftops or on roads and runs directly into storm drains.

Soil additives such as Biodegradable Soil Moist Polymers can help retain storm water and release it when needed by plants in green roof applications, as well as in home gardens.

Permeable Roads, Driveways, and Walkways—Using permeable pavements and interlock pavers in place of concrete allows water to seep into the soil underneath rather than building up and running into storm drains. Another option is planting trees and other vegetation along walkways with products such as Tree Grates. This will help open access to soil as well as add aesthetic value.

These are just a few examples of contributing to Green Infrastructure, but the list of options is continually growing with the more we learn and with developing technologies. For more resources, updates and instructions on how you can contribute to Green Infrastructure, visit the EPA's website.

Check out our new 2011 eCatalog for all the tools and materials needed to start your Green Infrastructure project: Landscaping Tools, Arborist's Supplies, and Tree Planting & Nursery Equipment.

Product Spotlight

Hi-Viz 600D Surveyor's Vests

Thanks to the 2"W 3M reflective tape you know motorists and others will see you at a glance. Tough 600-denier ripstop polyester/PU fabric stands up to rough wear. Mesh side vents keep you cool. Brass snaps with black caps. Safety D-ring access slot.

Ben Meadows is on Facebook!

You can get the scoop on new products, hot news, entertaining tidbits and offers you won't find anywhere else when you join us on Facebook.

Did You Know?

In some western states it is illegal to divert or collect rainwater.

Spout Off!
Your Chance to Win!

Last Issue's Winner:
Diane from Camp Hill, PA knows that the International Protection rating on the Oakton Waterproof EcoTestr Salt Meter is IP67 which means that it is rated for temporary immersion between 15cm and 1m for thirty minutes.

We will be sending Diane a Leatherman Monarch 500 LED Flashlight.

This Issue's Question:
Who are the two 2010 Ben Meadows Scholarship Winners?

Send your answer via email to: editor@benmeadows.com

While you're at it, let us know your job title and function and what topics you'd like to see covered in future issues of The Water Source.

Answers must be received by by Friday, March 14, 2011. We'll select one lucky prize winner from all the correct entries. If you are selected, we will notify you by email. Don't forget to include an address (if you win, we'll need to know where to send your prize)!

This month's prize: MIDLAND® LXT380 Walkie-Talkies

To be eligible to receive a prize you must include your name and mailing address. This information must correspond to your benmeadows.com registration information. If you are not registered at benmeadows.com click here and register TODAY!

If you have any specific questions about product specifications, applications or compliance issues, call one of our Product Pros at 1-800-241-6401 or e-mail them at: ProductPros@benmeadows.com.

If you have any questions about the list or its contents, send e-mail to the Editor at: editor@benmeadows.com.

The Water Source is copyrighted by GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. Ben Meadows Company is a division of GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. Those wishing to re-publish a written piece in any other form or medium must first receive permission from GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. To request permission, e-mail: g.lee@labsafety.com.

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The goal of The Water Source is to provide accurate information on the subject matters covered. However, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials. Therefore, the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, errors or misprinting contained within this publication.

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