Rainwater Runoff 1st Lab

     For my first lab for introduction to environmental science, I explored how many gallons of water will a 2- inch rainstorm produce at Willett Science Center Parking Lot at Mercer Universities' Macon campus. For my calculations, I discovered that during a 2- inch rainfall, about 77,827 gallons of water will fall on Willett Science Center Parking Lot. This substantial amount of water could fill up approximately 7 large pools since pools hold an estimate of about 10,000 gallons of water. Therefore, it is important for places like Willett Science Center to have good drainage systems or else large amounts of water will becoming standing water. 77, 827 gallons of water would undoubtedly flood the area and cause many cars and buildings to accrue damage. So, Willett Science Center is a good example of putting in good drainage systems that allow water to move when there is heavy rainfall. The elevation of Willett Science Center makes it so that water can flow down into drainage systems.

     This lab is also important because it shows the importance of knowing and recognizing rainwater runoff and its impact on a particular area. If people cannot predict how much water will fall on a certain area, then they cannot be fully prepared to act if necessary. Knowing rainwater runoff also allow engineers and scientists to correctly put drainage systems wherever necessary. Calculating rainwater runoff can also be a good indication if an area is safe enough for a building or home to be built.