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Introduction
Introduction
"Bioretention practices, such as rain gardens, are landscaped depressions that treat on-site stormwater discharge from impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots and compacted lawns. They are used to collect stormwater and filter it through a mixture of soil, sand and/or gravel. The designs of bioretention practices mimic volume reduction and pollutant removal mechanisms that work in natural systems. The filtered stormwater soaks into the ground, provides water to plants and can help recharge the local groundwater supply. Through these processes, bioretention practices reduce peak flows within downstream sewer systems and allow pollutant removal through filtration and plant uptake." - EPA: Stormwater Best Management Practice (PDF)
Examples of Bioretention
Examples of Bioretention
Natural Examples
Natural Examples
Wetlands
Wetlands
These come in many shapes and forms from bogs to mangroves, offering wildlife both food and habitat while helping to absorb water and even pollutants. Diverse communities of plant life help absorb excess water from storms and snow melt, promoting plant growth, and supporting aquifer replenishment. Wetlands along coastlines can also help protect against sea level rise, or more specifically, they help protect against erosion. At the same time however, climate change and sea level rise pose dangers to wetlands, where the species face die offs due to larger temperature swings and increased water salinity.
Man Made Examples
Man Made Examples
Berms & Swales
Berms & Swales
Berms and swales work together to retain and slowly move water, reducing flooding, runoff, and helping water permeate the environment. In addition to relying on simple physics and gravity, swales and berms should be planted with native plant species such as ornamental tall grasses which can help stabilize the soil, helping to capture and filter pollution. Larger plants provide more bioretention benefits than smaller species.
Berms and swales can be used to help transport water off a property, or they can direct water to specific bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, or rain gardens.
Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens
Unlike regular ponds, these don't need any lining. In fact they work best in places with good drainage, or you can use soil amendments to help water penetrate the ground more quickly. A rain garden may function as a temporary pond for a few hours or throughout the rainy season depending on your region and climate. In drier climates it is worth using plants that can survive both long periods of wet and dry weather.
Benefits of Bioretention
Benefits of Bioretention
Biodiversity
Biodiversity
Particularly when local native species are used, bioretention options can help increase the number of animal species who can survive in the area. This might be simply in passing such as migratory birds or butterflies, while other species such as frogs and toads may take up residence among the year-round foliage.
Pollinators
Pollinators
By including flowering plants, pollinator numbers can be supported by bioretention features. Even one species of flowering plant can help, but by including a selection of flowering plants that bloom at different times of year, you can not only create spaces that look interesting year round while also providing a continuous source of food for your local pollinators.
Resources & Guides
Resources & Guides
EPA: Stormwater Best Management Practice (PDF) "This fact sheet is intended to be used for informational purposes only. These examples and references are not intended to be comprehensive and do not preclude the use of other technically sound practices. State or local requirements may apply."
Organizations
Organizations
North America
North America
USA
USA
Virginia
Friends of the Rappahannock "All our efforts work together to achieve our mission to be the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River."
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