Why is the City of Lincoln promoting rain gardens?
The main function of a rain garden is improving water quality. Communities around the country have experienced dramatic reductions in stormwater pollution, due to many homeowners installing rain gardens on their property. According to the EPA, 70% of all water pollution comes from pollutants carried in rainwater runoff and other non-point pollution sources. Rain gardens are effective in removing up to 90% of pollutants and 80% of sediments from individual properties. Not only are rain gardens beautiful additions to any landscape, the amount of pollution leaving yards and entering nearby streams, lakes, and wetlands can be reduced. Constructing, installing, and maintaining a rain garden will be helping to reduce pollution and keep our streams and lakes healthy.
