Runoff deposits pollutants are the sediments from development and new construction, oil, grease, toxic chemicals left by vehicles, de-icing chemicals, heavy metals as well as nutrients and pesticides from lawns and gardens. They occur in the lakes and streams through storm drains and sewers. Lawn clippings and leaves are also washed into our waterways. Due to this oxygen levels are decreased and fish and other aquatic species suffocate.
 The basic features of Rain garden
The soil which is known as life-supporting substance is also a great filtering system. When the water passes through the soil it becomes clean and most toxins are neutralized. The main benefit of a rain garden is to slow water down so it can be filtered by the soil.
Rain garden is useful for the scaled-down version of a wetland area. In order to create a system that could assist in water uptake into the soil you should use native plants, a proper soil which is optimal for filtration and absorption and right grading.
The components of the Rain garden
A rain garden should consist of: a shallow basin with gentle side slopes (they need to be 4-8 inches deep); soil that allows infiltration; the plants should be moisture-tolerant and have deep roots to trap sediment. The basin has the ability to preserve the water for a period of time and allows the soil and plant material to work their cleansing magic. You should choose porous soil which could absorb the water for 48 hours. This also prevents your garden and ground from a breeding of mosquitoes. Native plants are very beneficial for the rain garden because they can withstand extreme moisture and temperature. Their long roots also assist in water infiltration.
Your rain garden can have any size and shape. Even small gardens are very profitable. They require less care and also attract butterflies and birds. All you will have to do is to clean your garden up every year and remove the weeds.
How to choose the right area for the rain garden?
You should allocate the rain garden so it could intercept water that flows from gutters and downspouts and across paved surfaces (driveways and walkways). If you allocate the rain garden under a downspout it will be able to trap thousands of gallons of water each year. The location of the garden near alley, driveways, in the low areas between houses and near pools and puddles is also beneficial.
Ideally, water should be captured as close as possible to where it falls. It is necessary to use a rain barrel and garden hose to direct runoff into a rain garden.
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