Rain Gardens for Clean Streams Did you know? Up to 70% of pollution in streams, rivers and lakes comes from storm water runoff. Planting a Rain Garden… reduces the amount of storm water entering storm drains
Up to 70% of pollution in streams,
rivers and lakes comes from storm water runoff.
Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides from agricultural lands and residential areas
Oil, grease, and toxic chemicals
urban runoff and energy
Sediment from improperly managed
crop and forest lands,
and eroding stream banks
Salt from irrigation practices and acid drainage from abandoned mines
Bacteria and nutrients from livestock,
faulty septic systems
Rain and snow melt pick up these natural and human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, and even our underground sources of drinking water
Impervious surfaces (ones that do not allow water to percolate or drain through soil such as buildings, parking lots, etc) contribute runoff water and increase the amount of pollutants in runoff.
A garden designed specifically to improve water quality.
Determine the location
Near the house to catch only roof run off or out on the lawn to catch water from the lawn and roof
55-60% of the drain area
Dylan’s house is 50 feet by 40 feet so the roof area is 2000 sq ft. (50 x 40 = 2000)
He has two downspouts and will plant a rain garden in the back yard which will collect water from approximately half of the roof area or 1000 sq ft.
His soil is mostly clay so the size of the rain garden should be approximately 550 sq ft. (1000 x .55 = 550)
Rememberthat a rain garden of any size will help to control storm water runoff
Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a grant with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 319 Program.
The mission of the Bucks County Conservation District is to provide for the wise use, management and development of the county’s soil, water and related natural resources. This is accomplished with the cooperation of public agencies, private groups and individuals
Mary Ellen Noonan
Bucks County Conservation District
1456 Ferry Road, Suite 704
Doylestown, PA 18901