A rain garden is a depressed area in the landscape that is designed to slow down runoff. In residential areas, they can collect rainwater from a roof, driveway, sidewalk or street. To reduce runoff, it is best to slow it down by spreading it out over an area in which it can soak into the soil slowly.
But why slow down runoff in the first place?
The development of our cities and urban areas replaces forests and meadows with buildings and pavement. When it then rains, the water flows from rooftops and driveways into the street. Runoff picks up a variety of contaminants such as fertilizer, oil, pesticides, dirt, and bacteria. These pollutants make their way through storm drains and ditches, then onto our streams, rivers and ocean. Polluted runoff is one of the greatest threats to clean water in the U.S.
When we take small steps to soak up the rain, we keep rain closer to where it falls. By doing this, we help prevent water pollution, reduce flooding, and protect our precious drinking water resources. The benefits in soaking up the rain can spread not just from our own property, but to that of our neighbors' and ultimately, our community.
Soaking up the rain
Prevents water pollution - Soaking up the rain helps keep rain water on-site and out of local waterways.
Reduces flooding - When we soak up the rain we help reduce the amount of water flowing from our property into the street and the stormwater system.
Protects our water resources - When we soak up the rain we help get water into the ground, which keeps our streams and rivers flowing. It also replenishes the groundwater we rely on for drinking water. When we reduce the flow of stormwater, we also help to reduce soil and stream bank erosion.
Builds Climate resiliency - Green infrastructure practices can help communities improve their resiliency as they suffer from extreme climate changes.
Beautifies neighborhoods - When we soak up the rain with attractive plants and landscaping, our gardens add beauty to the landscape.
Cools the air - Planting trees and other plants in our urban areas helps to cool down the air temperature in those areas, reducing urban heat islands.
Saves money - Reducing the amount of runoff into the city's drainage system can lower the community cost for managing this water. Permeable pavements can lower construction costs for residential and commercial development by reducing the need for some conventional drainage features.
Creates habitat - When we plant trees, grasses and flowering perennials, we create habitat and food for birds and insects. Pollinators such as butterflies and bees benefit while thoughtfully chosen native plants can also be used to restore a resilient landscape.
A campaign to make the public aware of rain garden's is part of a larger outreach program through the Environmental Protection Agency to raise public awareness about the huge benefits of making individual decisions to support green infrastructure. The EPA's website features a diverse range of resources for both the individual and community. You can find it here!