There are several types of situations for which a rain garden would be an appropriate choice for a landscape solution. rain gardens are suited for applications in urban and suburban environments and are able to be incorporated into existing development as well as new development. rain gardens are a demonstrated means to improve water quality and reduce water runoff volumes in a watershed.

LID Interactive Design web page:
http://www.lid-stormwater.net/intro/homedesign.htm

Urban

New Construction

New development in an urban area that is in a CSO sewershed may have stormwater fees and taxes based on the volume and quality of stormwater runoff. rain gardens can be integrated into streetscapes, tree plantings, small townhouse environments, or as raised infiltration planters or in parking islands. They can serve to reduce the area or eliminate the need for conventional stormwater ponds in new developments.

rain gardens are part of a treatment train approach which can mitigate the impact of stormwater on the surrounding infrastructure. Sizing of rain gardens as part of the overall stormwater management plan can be calculated and submitted prior to construction as part of the permitting process.

Retrofit

In areas where increased development or existing development has created runoff problems, rain garden retrofits are an ideal tool to use to mitigate those problems. The small and flexible nature of the rain garden facility means that it can be an effective adjunct to existing systems and can serve to reduce volumes and improve water quality by capturing stormwater runoff close to its source.

In retrofit solutions, there is often not a large enough surface space available to do a conventional efficient drainage solution and achieve the requisite water volume reductions and water quality improvements that the Clean Water Act Phase 2 requires. rain gardens are a valuable tool for developers and agencies to employ as they strive improve environmental conditions in existing developed areas.

Website:
http://www.lid-stormwater.net/bioretention/biocomind_home.htm 

Suburban

New Construction

New development in a suburban area that is in a CSO sewershed or in an area with septic systems may have stormwater fees and taxes based on the volume and quality of stormwater runoff generated by the conversion of existing landuse into a more developed/built upon state. rain gardens are part of a treatment train approach which can mitigate the impact of stormwater on the surrounding infrastructure.

The rain garden concept can be integrated into streetscapes/trees, roadside swales and entry features. They can serve to reduce or eliminate the need for conventional stormwater ponds in developments. Sizing of rain gardens as part of the overall stormwater management plan can be calculated and submitted prior to construction as part of the permitting process.

Retrofit

In areas where increased development or existing development has created runoff problems, rain garden retrofits are an ideal tool to use to mitigate those problems. They are attractive, typically low maintenance and adaptable to a variety of situations.

The small and flexible nature of the rain garden facility means that it is typically possible to add it in as effective adjunct to existing systems that reduces volumes and improves water quality by capturing stormwater runoff close to its source. The scale of the typical rain garden is able to be managed by individual homeowners and a municipality may grant tax credits for such “green infrastructure” installation.

Websites:

http://www.lid-stormwater.net/bioretention/biohighres_specs.htm 

http://www.lid-stormwater.net/bioretention/biolowres_home.htm

Watershed benefits and examples

Websites: http://www.lid-stormwater.net/bioretention/bio_benefits.htm 

http://www.lid-stormwater.net/design_img/design_examples.htm 

Water efficient landscapes http://www.cleanwatercampaign.com/html/576.htm  

Overview presentation of how to build http://www.accstormwater.com/publicinfo/Build_a_Rain_Garden.pdf