By : Conservation Lac Brome.
What falls from the sky over the 186.7 km² Brome Lake watershed does not necessarily stay where it lands. Like a giant basin shaped by the surrounding landscape, the watershed collects water as it flows across the territory. Depending on the terrain and soil characteristics, water either infiltrates into the ground or runs off and enters streams, which eventually carry it to the lake. All streams lead to Brome Lake, you could say!
During heavy rainfall, runoff flowing over nutrient-rich soils or land enriched with fertilizers can carry phosphorus- and nitrogen-laden sediments toward the lowest point of this giant basin: the lake.
Obviously, we cannot control the volume of rainwater that falls all at once, and we are seeing this volume increase as extreme weather events become more frequent. One way to slow runoff is therefore to maintain a vegetated landscape.
In a forest, for example, rainfall is intercepted by vegetation and gradually infiltrates the soil with the help of roots. As a result, less water runs rapidly over the surface.
Be Part of the Solution
Unfortunately, the Brome Lake watershed is heavily developed, and many surfaces have been made impermeable for human convenience. Residents can nevertheless be part of the solution by maintaining a lush, green property and managing their stormwater effectively.
Those with properties along the lake, in particular, have an important role to play by maintaining a dense and diverse riparian buffer, as it represents the last barrier before the water.
I Take Care of My Lake Program
With this in mind, Conservation Lac Brome launched a pilot project this summer to recognize and showcase properties whose landscaping practices promote good stormwater management.
The I Take Care of My Lake program recognized 12 exemplary residents this summer, and we will be expanding the program next year! You will be able to make an appointment with experts from our team, who will visit your property free of charge to assess it.
Biodiversity, bank stability, pollutant filtration, impervious surfaces, vegetation layer density, gutters: we look at it all! We can suggest improvements and, where applicable, certify your property.
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