Increased precipitation, in the form of heavier downpours, is a commonly-seen impact of the warming climate. When heavy rain falls on streets, roofs, and other impervious surfaces or compacted soils, it can quickly overload drainage systems, resulting in flooding and all the related risks to lives, property, and natural ecosystems. Homeowners can help by reducing the run-off from their property using techniques known as “rainscaping.”
Rainscaping means creating a landscape that retains and infiltrates run-off from hard surfaces. The most common practices for residential settings are:
- Rain barrels—capturing water from downspouts for later use in the garden.
- Rain gardens—creating shallow depressions that hold rainwater for a short time, so it seeps into the soil rather than directly into storm sewers. Many nurseries recommend plants appropriate for rain gardens.
- Permeable paving—using porous pavers over layers of rock instead of concrete for driveways, paths, and patios. Rainwater seeps between the pavers or through paver materials into the soil.
- Native landscaping—planting native flowers, trees, and bushes, which require less irrigation and whose deep root systems allow water to penetrate the soil.
- Soil Quality Restoration—Aerating and adding organic matter to compacted soils reduces runoff, and improves soil health and root growth.
The cost of these practices varies considerably, from less than $200 for a rain barrel or a wildflower garden border to several thousand dollars for a permeable driveway. Some municipalities offer financial assistance. Follow these links for information on the Best Management Practice programs offered by Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty, which help cover the costs of many stormwater retention projects. Follow these links for information about the Your Best Lawn program, which provides financial assistance for aeration and compost application: Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty. Johnson SWCD/NRCS also have a cost-share program for urban conservation. See their excellent information pack here, or amy.bouska@ia.nacdnet.net.
Read the entire Good Energy Newsletter, Spring 2023