Bioretention areas, or rain gardens, are landscaping features adapted to provide on-site capture and treatment of stormwater runoff. They are commonly located in parking lot islands or within small pockets of residential land. The surface stormwater runoff is directed into the shallow, vegetated depressions, which increase stormwater storage, filtration, and pollutant reduction.

Rain barrels capture water from a roof and hold it for later use such as on lawns, gardens or indoor plants. Collecting roof runoff in rain barrels reduces the amount of water that flows from your property. It’s a great way to conserve water and it’s free water for use in your landscape.

Note: Remember that as rainwater flows over a roof surface it can pick up pollutants such as bacteria from birds and other animals, and chemicals from roof materials – factors to consider when thinking about using rain barrel water on edible plants.