Chapter 6: Problem 16

What is a rain garden, and how can it reduce stormwater runoff?

Short Answer

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A rain garden is a specially designed landscaped area that collects and absorbs rainwater from impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, and streets. It consists of native plants, permeable soil, and a basin or depression that temporarily holds water, allowing it to infiltrate the soil. Rain gardens reduce stormwater runoff by capturing and storing rainwater on-site, preventing it from reaching storm drains and overloading water systems, allowing water to infiltrate the soil, replenishing groundwater, filtering pollutants through native plants, and diverting water from impervious surfaces, ultimately reducing the risk of flooding and erosion in local areas.

Step by step solution

Define a Rain Garden

A rain garden is a specially designed and landscaped area that is built to collect and absorb rainwater from impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, and streets. It is comprised of native plants, permeable soil, and sometimes a small depression or basin to hold water. Rain gardens can be incorporated into residential, community, or commercial landscapes as an attractive and environmentally friendly solution to managing stormwater runoff.

Explain the Components of a Rain Garden

There are three main components that make up a rain garden: 1. Native plants: These are chosen for their ability to adapt to local climate and soil conditions and are typically more efficient at absorbing water than non-native plants. 2. Permeable soil: This type of soil allows water to infiltrate more easily than compacted or clay-rich soils, promoting absorption by the plants and reducing the amount of runoff that enters storm drains. 3. Basin or depression: The low-lying area creates a temporary ponding effect, allowing the captured water to slowly infiltrate the soil and be used by the plants in the garden.

Describe the Process of Rainwater Infiltration

When it rains, water runs off impervious surfaces and enters the rain garden, where it is captured and allowed to infiltrate the soil. This happens through the following process: 1. The water is captured by the basin or depression in the rain garden. 2. Water slowly infiltrates the permeable soil, with the native plants using some of it for their growth. 3. As the plants absorb water, they also help filter pollutants such as sediment and nutrients from the water. 4. The filtered water eventually reaches the groundwater table or nearby surface waters, improving water quality and reducing the overall volume of stormwater runoff.

Explain How a Rain Garden Reduces Stormwater Runoff

Rain gardens help reduce stormwater runoff in several ways: 1. They capture and store rainwater on-site, preventing it from reaching storm drains and overloading water systems. 2. They allow water to infiltrate the soil, replenishing groundwater and reducing the volume of runoff. 3. Native plants and permeable soil help filter pollutants from the water, improving water quality in nearby streams and rivers. 4. By diverting water from impervious surfaces, rain gardens reduce the risk of flooding and erosion in local areas. Overall, rain gardens serve as a natural and sustainable solution for managing stormwater runoff, reducing pollution, and promoting a healthier environment for humans and wildlife alike.

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What is a rain garden, and how can it reduce stormwater runoff?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define a Rain Garden

Explain the Components of a Rain Garden

Describe the Process of Rainwater Infiltration

Explain How a Rain Garden Reduces Stormwater Runoff

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