News & Events

Construction Monday – Bioswales & Drywells

Happy Construction Monday…..the wet weather is upon us, so we thought it would be perfect to talk about storm water management! At Everett Custom Homes, we know how important it is to be environmentally-conscious and do our part to have a positive impact on the environment. Since Portland is known for it’s cutting-edge green practices, it’s no surprise that other areas look to Portland for ways to improve their own city. Portland’s storm-water management technology, also known as bioswales, has taken on international attention due to the large amount of these built throughout the city. These curb plantings are key in keeping the Willamette River and other waterways clean during large rainstorms.

To date, Portland has installed 1,350 bioswales, managing as much as 125 million gallons of oily street water that would otherwise wind up, unfiltered, in the sewer system. The city’s Bureau of Environmental Services is now turning to local businesses to help manage these features through a sort of “adopt-a-bioswale” program called Green Street Stewards. It currently counts 16 business partners that have volunteered to remove waste, weed and generally keep up their local bioswales.*Portland Business Journal

Everett Custom Homes does our part to keep rainwater runoff from draining into our rivers and streams by managing this onsite at each home we build, through what’s called a drywell. A drywell is an underground perforated pipe surrounded with gravel that collects stormwater runoff and infiltrates it into the ground. Stormwater from roofs, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces flows through an inlet pipe that empties into the drywell. Drywells reduce runoff flow rate, volume, and temperature, helping to recharge groundwater. Maintenance needs include controlling erosion, removing excessive debris, and cleaning and repairing inlet and outlet pipes. A drywell can last up to 30 years with proper construction and maintenance. Next time you’re at one of our homes, take a look around….surely, you’ll see one of our bioswales hard at work.