Rain Gardens

What is the Focus?

To retain a shallow depression and treat the first flush of runoff from impervious surfaces. It is constructed to accept roof or parking lot runoff and is suitable for individual yards to large parking lot median strips.

What Does NRCS Offer?

Planning and design assistance, fact sheets.

What is an Example of a Rain Garden?

BRANFORD, CT – A rain garden was installed in the median strip of the parking lot behind the police station on Harrison Avenue to treat polluted runoff. The garden, which measures approximately 60’ x 14’,collects water from the 3,600 square foot parking lot above.

The rain garden is composed of 25” of sand, 12” of topsoil, and 6” of mulch. Water tolerant native shrubs, trees, sedges, and grasses have been planted. Three curb cuts in the upper side of the median strip allows water to enter before it reaches the storm-drain.

When the first flush of contaminated runoff is diverted into a rain garden, fewer contaminants enter the storm-water system and local water bodies. In addition, 5-7% of the runoff infiltrates the soil on site rather than contributing to overland flow.

Who are the Partners?

• Branford River Project
• University of Connecticut College of Agriculture
• Branford Department of Public Works
• Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• King’s Mark Resource Conservation and Development Area

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