As urban areas continue to replace wilderness and agricultural land, storm runoff from impervious surfaces becomes an issue–runoff in developed areas increases flooding and carries pollutants from streets, parking lots and lawns into local waterways. One solution to this problem is to increase the amount of water that filters into the ground– and rain gardens do just that, and many other good things!

What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is a landscaped area filled with native vegetation that soaks up the runoff water from your house. Compared to your conventional lawn, rain gardens soak up 30 percent more water! They fill with a few inches of water after a storm and then the water slowly filters into the ground, where it can then replenish local and regional aquifers. Rain gardens also provide valuable habitats for beneficial insects, butterflies, and birds.

To learn more about planting your own rain garden, download Rain Gardens: A How-to Manual for Homeowners from the EPA's website (you can also search for rain garden on the EPA website. This helpful 32-page manual answers many questions about rain gardens–such as planting for different soil types –and gives you the knowledge to start saving more water in your neighborhood.