Raingarden
You can help protect our waterways by installing a raingarden in your yard or community.
Raingardens (also known as bioretention systems) are garden beds which use native plants and free draining soils to capture, filter and treat pollutants typically found in stormwater. Treatment occurs through a combination of natural physical and chemical processes associated with the type of soil and plants used.
Raingardens are a good alternative to traditional gardens or lawns. They can be any size or shape and can be incorporated into any garden.
Benefits of raingardens
When it rains, water from roofs, driveways and streets flow into stormwater drains, through local waterways and to our beaches and bays. This runoff collects sediment, heavy metals, oil and grease which impact on the health of our waterways. These pollutants can also be harmful to fish and other marine life.
By reducing the level of sediment, nutrients and other pollutants that enter our waterways, raingardens are an easy and economical way to help improve the health of our waterways.
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Download the Water by Design Raingardens fact sheet for a step-by-step guide for creating your own raingarden:
Examples of raingardens
Read about raingardens that have been created in the community and in the home.
