World Water Day, celebrated on March 22, is a reminder of how precious this resource is, especially in California, where climate experts believe extreme weather could diminish our water supply by up to 10% by 2040.
In observation of World Water Day, there are many water conservation habits we can all incorporate into our lives. One way we can help save water is to swap out grass lawns—which consume up to 40% of the water we use outdoors—for water-wise plants and spaces like rain gardens.
A rain garden is not a water garden. Nor is it a pond or a wetland. In reality, a rain garden is dry most of the time. It is a small depression, which is generally formed on a natural slope that is designed to temporarily hold and soak in rainwater runoff that flows from roofs, driveways, patios, or lawns. Since a rain garden collects run-off rainwater, having one helps reduce water usage as it provides a way to use and optimize rainfall, avoiding the need for irrigation.
If you’re planning your yard transformation this spring, a rain garden is a great option to consider as it can be cost-effective and full of beautiful color and diverse water-wise native vegetation such as grasses, shrubs, perennials, and wildflowers. Since native vegetation is utilized, no fertilizer is needed and after the first year, minimal maintenance is needed.
A rain garden should have an area about 20% the size of the roof, patio, or pavement area draining into it. A typical rain garden for a residential home or small building is between 100 and 400 square feet. Regardless of the size, big or small, each rain garden can make an impact. Considerations to keep in mind when designing your very own rain garden:
- Should be located where the garden will receive runoff – check runoff flows and construct diversion measures if necessary.
- Should be located on a natural depression or flat surface to make construction easier.
- Should be located in an area with full or partial sunlight which will be more conducive for plant growth.
- Should avoid large tree roots.
- Should be located at least 25 feet away from buildings with basements and at least five feet away from buildings without.
- Should be located five feet horizontally and one foot vertically from any utilities, including water, sewer, and electricity lines.
If you’re still unsure, here are some other great benefits to incorporating a rain garden into your yard:
- Effective in removing up to 90% of chemicals and up to 80% of sediments from the rainwater runoff.
- Encourages biodiversity as rain gardens provide food and shelter for butterflies, dragonflies, songbirds, and other wildlife.
- Allows 30% more water to soak into the ground compared to a conventional lawn.
- Keeps rainwater and melted snow on site, so as not to overload storm sewers and cause flooding.
Ready to start saving water with a water-wise yard transformation? Visit SaveOurWater.com/yardrebates and search your zip code to find local rebates.