A rain garden is a low area that absorbs and filters rain water runoff that comes from roofs, sidewalks, and driveways. Rain runs off the hard surfaces, collects in the shallow depression, and slowly soaks into the soil. They are usually planted with colorful native plants and grasses.
Why
- Conserves Water - Rain water helps plants grow and reduces the need for watering.
- Protects Water Quality - Plants help filter pollutants like: chemicals from the roofing tile, fertilizer, and litter from the sidewalk.
- Helps Reduce Flooding and Erosion - Runoff collects in the low area and soaks into the soil instead of rapidly washing into creeks
How
Rain gardens come in all shapes and sizes, every little bit helps.
- Fact Sheet: Six Easy Steps to Build a Rain Garden
- Presentations
REGISTER Your Voluntary Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Register your rain garden bioswale, cistern, green roofs, etc today. 70 have been registered to date. See where small-scale green infrastructure is located throughout Austin.
The green stormwater infrastructure projects registered on this page are voluntary and not part of a City of Austin permit process
Resources
- Waterwise Rainscape Rebate
- Austin ISD
- University of Texas Partnership
- Lesson Plans
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Local Grants
- Austin Parks Foundation
- City of Austin Neighborhood Partnering Program - projects in the City's right of way or on City-owned property
- City of Austin Bright Green Future Grants - Competitive grant program for Austin schools
- Map of Austin Rain Gardens
Featured Programs
- Erosion Control - Engineered Stream Restoration
- Grow Green
- Riparian Restoration
- Sustainable Stormwater Solutions
- WPD Youth Education
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