Stormwater Management: Rain Gardens to Bioretention Areas

Abstract

As a natural stormwater management system, rain gardens are increasing in popularity and are delineated by a number of different names, based on purpose and location. Rain gardens, or rainwater gardens, are generally residential and are located on a depression or downside of a slope. A rain garden collects stormwater and helps filter out pollutants. A larger, more complex rain garden is referred to as a bioretention facility, which treats stormwater before it is infiltrated or discharged. A third water management system, the bioswale (ditch) or bioslope (slope), moves stormwater from one area to another, in addition to filtering out sediment and pollutants.