definition
A rain garden is a planted depression or a hole that allows rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas, like roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots, and compacted lawn areas, the opportunity to be absorbed. This reduces rain runoff by allowing stormwater to soak into the ground (as opposed to flowing into storm drains and surface waters which causes erosion, water pollution, flooding, and diminished groundwater).(Wikipedia, Rain garden, accessed on Sept. 2016)
Co-benefits and impacts
Another purpose of a rain garden is to improve water quality in nearby bodies of water. Rain gardens can cut down on the amount of pollution reaching creeks and streams by up to 30%.(Wikipedia, Rain garden, accessed on Sept. 2016)
conditions
Rain gardens should be designed for specific soils and climates. Native and adapted plants are recommended for rain gardens because they are more tolerant of one’s local climate, soil, and water conditions; have deep and variable root systems for enhanced water infiltration and drought tolerance; habitat value and diversity for local ecological communities; and overall sustainability once established.(Wikipedia, Rain garden, accessed on Sept. 2016)
Related Links
FRI indicators (Show all)
Infiltration capacity of paved areas to reduce runoffLevel of implementation of Building Code
Embodying flood risk in Building code
Preservation of wetlands and green spaces
Embodying climate change predictions in spatial urban planning
Embodying flood risk in urban planning
Citizens Learning and adapting from previous events
Responsible authorities Learning and adapting from previous events
Multidisciplinary knowledge exchange (engineer, architect/urban planner, sociologist, economist, politician - city government, etc.)
Protection against soil erosion
Illustrations (Show all)
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rm_images/800px-Rain_garden_overview.jpg
Last modified: Sept. 19, 2016, 9:38 a.m.