Rain Gardens and bioswales are some of our most effective tools in implementing sustainable water practices. In the presentation, Barrett will discuss how rain gardens and bioswales protect, restore, and mimic the natural water cycle. Additionally, Tom will explain how rain gardens and bioswales can help develop a natural solution for water efficiency, and relieve storm water management issues. Rain Gardens and bioswales create natural filters through which our rainwater can flow. We are in essence helping to remove the contaminants, while reducing the speed and volume in which the water runs to the storm drains. By choosing to create a rain garden or other environmentally responsible landscape solution, we can reduce the contaminants that collect in the sewer systems, and make a significant improvement for a cleaner and healthier environment.
1. Constructing Rain Gardens & Bioswales By Tom Barrett Green Water Infrastructure, Inc. www.ThinkGWI.com Tom.Barrett@ThinkGWI.com @TomBarrett_GWI Follow us on Twitter @TomBarrett_GWI
3. How Much Rain Falls in St. Louis? January - 1.83" February - 1.85" March- 2.88" April- 3.58" May- 4.10" June- 4.72" July - 3.56" August - 3.51" September - 3.17" October - 2.96" November - 2.35" December - 1.85" Total36.36" Image of Rain Falling
4. How Much Water Falls in St. Louis? 2,500 sq. ft. Roof January - 2,852 gallons February - 2,883 March- 4,488 April- 5,579 May- 6,390 June- 7,356 July - 5,548 August - 5,470 September- 4,940 October - 4,613 November - 3,662 December - 2,883 Total 56,664 Image of Rain Falling
5. How Much Water Falls in St. Louis? 3 Acre Commercial Property January - 149,075 gallons February - 150,705 March- 234,611 April- 291,634 May- 333,994 June- 384,501 July - 290,005 August - 285,932 September - 258,235 October - 241,128 November - 191,436 December - 150,705 Total 2,961,961 Image of Rain Falling
6. How Much Water Falls in St. Louis? City Block (5 acres) January - 248,459 gallons February - 251,176 March- 391,018 April- 486,057 May- 556,657 June- 640,834 July - 483,341 August - 476,553 September - 430,391 October - 401,879 November - 319,061 December - 251,176 Total 4,936,602
25. Rain Gardens LocationRain gardens are often located at the end of a roof or drain spout. Plant ChoicesChoose plants based on the need for light and soil type. DepthA typical Rain Garden is between four to eight inches deep. SizeA Rain Garden usually five to ten percent of the impervious surface area. SoilA tpical mix is 65% sand, 15% top soil, 25% organic matter.
38. Criteria Near the Rainwater Source Avoid “End-of Pipe” because of Sedimentation Issues Typically 10’ to 20’ from Buildings Distributed Evenly Across the Site Small Tributary Areas (usually 1 acre or less)