LID Research- Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels Ryan, James, And Ceaser

Rain Gardens

What is a Rain Garden? A rain garden is a depressed area in the landscape that collects rain water from a roof, driveway or street and allows it to soak into the ground Planted with grasses and flowering perennials

What are they used for? Can be a cost effective and beautiful way to reduce runoff from your property Help filter out pollutants in runoff and provide food and shelter for butterflies, song birds and other wildlife. More complex rain gardens with drainage systems and amended soils are often referred to as bioretention.

Rain Barrels

What is a rain barrel? Captures water from a roof and hold it for later use such as on lawns, gardens or indoor plants. Reduces the amount of water that flows from your property. Cities and towns distribute rain barrels to residents through annual sales

Rain Barrel Facts Average sized rain barrels can hold 50 gallons The water held can be used for irrigation and other uses Water from rain barrels can be soaked into nearby soils that will recharge groundwater supplies by using a more natural water cycle path.

Citations https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-rain-barrels https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain/soak-rain-rain-gardens http://www.groundwater.org/action/home/raingardens.html http://www.rainbarrelguide.com/