Canada: BC: Building a Rain Garden

By allowing rainwater to infiltrate rather than enter the stormwater system, we can reduce the peak flows during rainfall events which reduces flooding and erosion in downstream creeks and streams. There are many benefits of creating a rain garden. Rain... More

By allowing rainwater to infiltrate rather than enter the stormwater system, we can reduce the peak flows during rainfall events which reduces flooding and erosion in downstream creeks and streams. There are many benefits of creating a rain garden. Rain gardens can help: • reduce flooding on neighbouring property • reduce erosion in creeks and streams • filter out pollutants before they reach the storm drain and enter our waterways • recharge aquifers • provide habitat for beneficial insects, birds and wildlife. Rain gardens are landscape features that are designed to collect rainwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs and driveways. They are simply depressed garden spaces that hold runoff and allow it to infiltrate into the soils. Building a Rain Garden Disclaimer This sheet contains general principles only and they may not be appropriate for every property or project. Use common sense when building your rain garden. You assume the risk and are responsible Less