The Economics of Clean Water - Urban

- In Somerset, Maryland, where rain gardens were introduced in 1990, each residential property features a 300-to-400-square foot rain garden. Besides the ecological benfits and opportunity to showcase native plants, the Somerset Project saved the city nearly $300,000 on curbs, sidewalks, and gutters, traditional infrastructure features that were unnecessary with the addition of rain gardens. (Source: Black & Veatch Engineering, http://www.bvraingares.com/)

- In Seattle, an innovative project known as SEA Street for Street Edge Alternatives, transformed three blocks of a residential street in to a cost-effective renovation. With 11% less impervious surface than the original roadway, the rain garden reduced construction costs substantially while enhancing the environment with 100 evergreen trees and 1,110 shrubs. (Source : Black & Veatch Engineering, http://www.bvraingardens.com/)

- In Kane County, Illinois, researchers calculated that stormwater management in upstream areas, including the addition of rain gardens, would reduce the risk of flooding and boost property values from $14,538 to $36,345 per acre in downstream areas. The conservation initiatives would also eliminate the need for new concrete culverts, saving between $3.3 mmillion to $4.5 million on infrastructure expenses. ( Source : Black & Veatch Engineering, http:// www.bvraingardens.com/)

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Best Management Practices for Urban Citizens

BMPs for urban landowners include installing rain gardens and rain barrels for stormwater storage and filtration. Other best practices include composting leaves and grass clippings instead of allowing them to wash into the street, taking your car to the carwash instead of washing it in the driveway, and disposing of oil and other chemicals at the proper facilities. Most stormwater from the City of Lake Crystal runs untreated from storm sewers into Crystal Lake or County Ditch 56. Rain gardens and barrels reduce or slow the flow of polluted runoff into the lakes by serving as temporary storage for rain, run-off, and snow melt. The CWP provides support for urban citizens and landowners through a rain barrel cost-share program and by offering assistance and resources for home-owners wishing to install rain gardens.

Rain Gardens - Rain gardens are shallow depressions in your yard designed to naturally collect water that runs off your roof or is discharged from your sump pump. They are usually planted with native perennial wildflowers and grasses that are tolerant of wet conditions. Rain gardens are beautiful and low-maintenance, they provide habitat for wildlife such as birds and butterflies, and they help protect and conserve water. To read more about rain garden plants, design, and maintenance check these links:

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Information & How-to- Guides:

Rain Gardens: A Household Way to Improve Water Quality in Your Community - from University of Wisconsin Extension Services

Build your Own Rain Garden - from Applied Ecological Services

Rain Gardens: A How-to-Manual for Homeowners - from University of Wisconsin Extension Services

Design & Plant: A Step by Step Worksheet for Rain Gardens

Project Cost Calculator - estimate how much that ideal rain garden will cost, from BlueThumb.org

Plant Guides & Additional Resources

Native Plants for Gardens, Rain Gardens & Shoreline Stabilizations - from BlueThumb.org

Perennials, Trees & Shrubs for Rain Gardens

Plant Selector: Interactive, Online Plant Guide - from BlueThumb.org

Online Publications & Articles

Rain Gardens- Conscious Choice Online, May 2001

Rain Gardens: Healthy for Nature and People - Chicago Wilderness Magazine, Spring 2001

Rain Gardens: Using Spectacular Wetland Plantings to Reduce Runoff - Plants & Garden News, Brooklyn Botanic Garden; Vol.19, No1, Spring 2004

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Rain Barrels - Rain barrels collect and store rainwater from rooftops for later use in lawn and garden watering. This water would normally pour off your roof and gutters and into sewers becoming stormwater runoff. Rain barrels are an inexpensive source of naturally soft water for plants; they save money during the dry summer months, and reduce polluted runoff to lakes and streams. Rain barrels are relatively easy to make and install yourself or they can be purchased in many different styles.

New Rain Barrel Order! Due to the overwhelming sucess of our rain barrel cost-share program, we will be ordering additional barrels. Rain barrels are a great way to save money & help improve water quality. Reserve yours today! Download order form here. Call or email Sarah for more information.

To learn more about rain barrels, check out these links:

Rain Barrels : A Home Owner's Guide - from Southwest Florida Water Management District

Healthy Landscapes: Rain Barrels - from University of Rhode Island

Using Rain Barrels for Water Collection - from Rain Barrel Guide.com