Drainage, Stormwater, and Rain Gardens

← Ecology Work · Water and Soil

Move and soak up runoff before it becomes a problem.

What it is

Good drainage design directs water where it can safely go. Rain gardens (bioretention) are shallow planted basins that collect runoff and let it soak in.

When it makes sense

Roof and driveway runoff, soggy yards, erosion at downspouts, or stormwater requirements in an HOA or development.

How we do it

• Map where water comes from and where it goes.
• Test soil infiltration and size a rain garden to the area draining to it.
• Plan for overflow and for water to drain within a day or two.
• Plant with native species suited to wet and dry conditions.

Standards we follow

• NC DEQ Stormwater Design Manual, bioretention chapter
• USDA NRCS Conservation Practice Standards

Good to know

Rain gardens are a landscape feature, not a pond. Properly designed ones should not hold water long enough to breed mosquitoes.

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