The overall goal of "Low Impact Development" [LID] is to design development with, not against, nature. Design in step with the natural landscape, topography, and hydrology of a site allows development while avoiding unnecessary pollution, flooding and environmental degradation.

One of the core principles of LID is simply controlling stormwater runoff close to the point of generation (i.e., keep & treat water where it falls on the site, rather than sending it down pipes that discharge directly into our streams).

Most LID measures are very cost effective and easy to implement. The outcome of LID implementation is great - a reduction in stormwater runoff. Less stormwater runoff means reduced non-point source pollution (cleaner waters & beaches) and a reduction of 'flash flooding' during storm events.

LID practices can be adopted by anyone - homeowners, non-residential property owners, municipalities.

Easy Residential LID Opportunities

• Check out the rain gardens, green roofs, rain barrels, grass swales and pervious pavement areas that have been installed - right here in Connecticut! Please visit the CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection's (DEEP's) LID brochures, Rainfall as a Resource, for information and photos.
• Great information about LID can also be explored at the Green Stormwater Infrastructure website of NEMO, a program affiliated with UCONN.
• Explore this illustrated guide to residential LID opportunities from Low Impact Development Inc.

• Rain Gardens

  • Install a rain garden - the "beautiful solution to pollution"! See how easy it is to install with this excellent rain garden design guide by UCONN/Cooperative Extension System.  There is great information about design considerations for residential rain gardens, ideas for commercial sites, and rain gardens in winter.

• Rain Barrels

  • Even the smallest of land parcels have room for a rain barrel. 
  • Connecticut DEEP brochure on rain barrels.
  • Design & installation considerations at www.lid-stormwater.net.

• Permeable Pavement

  • Traditional paved driveways and parking areas generate quite a bit of stormwater runoff.
  • Connecticut DEEP brochure on permeable pavement.
  • UCONN's NEMO site on permeable pavements.
  • University of New Hampshire information on porous asphalt.