Low impact development is a term used to refer to landscape design practices designed to reduce stormwater runoff and preserve the quality of surface and groundwater sources. Currently, an estimated 70% of all surface and groundwater pollution is caused by stormwater runoff from roofs, roads, agricultural fields, and other man-made surfaces.

Though many low impact development projects are undertaken at the municipal level, homeowners can also put the principles of low impact development into use in their own backyards. In addition to improved local water quality, many low impact development …