Raingardens for Stormwater Treatment
Raingardens for Stormwater Treatment
(OP)
My County department has been asked to consider allowing the use of Raingardens as primary treament for stormwater runoff. We expect we are receiving this interest because they can be seen as a more attractive alternative than swales or wetponds (currently allowed per our Drainage manual).
Have others used Raingardens with any success? Any brief pros/cons about the use of these?
Have others used Raingardens with any success? Any brief pros/cons about the use of these?





RE: Raingardens for Stormwater Treatment
Also check out the Low-Impact Development Center website and www.stormwatercenter.net for info/links regarding performance.
Some Pros:
Make use of landscape islands to meet water quality treatment requirements; provide landscape amenity, including opportunity for shade trees in parking/streetscapes, provides some level of flow control in addition to water quality treatment
Some Cons:
Must fit in with landscape plan for site, more expensive than grass swales, may reduce buildable area in comparison to underground SWM facilities, landscape element may require design by non-civil engineering professionals - more complicated design process, extra coordination, plant establishment plan required.
RE: Raingardens for Stormwater Treatment