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The Raingarden: Their contribution to cleaner water easy

By Steve Hoogenakker, Showcase Landscape.

Many people are unaware that the rain that runs our storm drains is not going to the municipal treatment plant. I used to, but as communities increasing pressure on treatment plants, cities nationwide and sent off into sewers directly to the nearest lake or stream. In Minnesota, the pride of our natural resources is strong, and residents are ready and willing to do their part to protect water quality.

Raingardens are a great way for homeowners and landlords Townhome to protect water quality. This is a garden or garden area with a very slight depression (usually 6-8 inches). A raingarden is designed to capture water rainwater from roofs, roads and even the streets, allowing it to penetrate into the soil along the canals of the deep root of beautiful plants (some native and some conventional).

Some of the benefits to AIC includes an aesthetically pleasing landscape, increasing the activity of birds and butterflies, and credit to reduce storm water, which some cities are beginning to charge fees! The list of benefits for the environment is long.

The current system of storm sewers greatly contributes to flooding and poor water quality in all water bodies. The water runs so fast, our systems nature can not absorb it. Before urbanization, rain soaked into the ground. Some of them made all the way to the aquifers and some of the slowly flowing and laterally through the soil into lakes and streams. By the time the rain arrived in a body of water has been deleted by clean soil and microbes and cooled to the temperature that fish and other aquatic Critters enjoy. Gutters and pipes allows excess rainwater is heated to remove all contaminants that are accumulate on the surfaces impervious to water bodies that fail to treat or absorb impurities and are able to accept the volume - leading to severe flooding. Raingardens begin to repair the natural mechanism that slows, clean and cool rainwater.

What about all stormwater ponds that CIC is, they are not designed to protect water quality? The quick answer is yes, they were originally intended as a response to the Clean Water Act's mandate rainwater to be treated on site in new construction on five acres. They keep rainwater and contaminants in lakes and streams, unfortunately, only collect and concentrate the contaminants. They, like natural ponds, are not capable of stormwater treatment. Also often become monstrosities.

To intercept the rainwater is channeled directly into storm ponds (and not be served by a tampon), raingardens can be installed on the way down and peaks near the sidewalk with curved cuts. These raingardens sidewalks of the streets to allow water to flow into the garden. It is intended flow back into the street if it exceeds its capacity, not on the lawn. All raingardens are designed to be dry in 24-36 hours after a storm to avoid mosquitoes from breeding in them. Mosquito larvae need seven to twelve days of standing, stagnant water to mature. Raingardens actually act as "traps" where mosquitoes lay their eggs in them and the drops of water, which can not ripen! In contrast, raingardens provide a vital habitat for many animals such as birds desirable and butterflies.

The city of Burnsville recently studied the effectiveness of raingardens. Installed 17 raingardens residential street to collect runoff and roof and measured a 82% reduction in the second round in 2004! We measured a reduction of 90% in 2005 and a reduction of 93% in 2006 - which shows that in plants mature (and the creation of root structures more channels) increases the infiltration rate! The city of Maplewood has raingardens actively employed in reconstruction projects street of the city for over 10 years! Cities around the country are adopting raingardens simple to solve serious stormwater problems, including Kansas City, MO (with its 10,000 programs raingarden launched in 20,060, Portland OR and Chicago, Illinois. The "ground work" has been established and professionals have raingardens learned to work and look beautiful!

With both raingardens and coastal plantations, appropriate plant selection and installation and maintenance are critical to its success. There is a wide palette of colors and textures that will tolerate water fluctuations common to these landscapes. Raingardens can be designed to be virtually indistinguishable from conventional gardens and landscapes while performing an important service to the community! Be sure to consult a contractor who is familiar with native plants and costs in pursuing projects like these.

Even if raingardens and ponds are not part of the landscape, garden native can achieve the environmental objectives and can be incorporated into any plan. A simple butterfly garden can bring bright colors and rich wildlife in an area outdoors. They require less water and fertilizer or mowing the week and thus, conserve water and other resources and protect water quality!

If the ICC is looking for ways to help the environment, it is not necessary to go very far. Take a close look at how the storm water is "treated" in your community as asking, "Is there a better way?".

Steve Hoogenakker landscape consultant or contractor with 20 years experience working with the properties of CIC and can be reached at 763-213-2410 or Steve@Landscape.Pro. This article may be reproduced, provided that the information Contact Steve is all included in the article.

About the Author:

Steve Hoogenakker
Showcase Landscape

Steve Hoogenakker has 20 years in the landscaping and leadership field. He can be reached by email at Steve@Landscape.Pro.
Steve Hoogenakker, MHA, CAI, CIC Midwest, MNLA, PLANET, MTGF, Showcase Landscape, Minnesota. Delano, Minnesota

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Rain Gardens, an Easy Way to Save Your Corner of the Planet