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.

REGISTER Your Voluntary Green Stormwater Infrastructure

Register your rain garden bioswale, cistern, green roofs, etc today.  92 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

Featured Programs

How Do Rain Gardens Work?

 

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