Rain gardens are a great way for homeowners and businesses to address localized flooding and reduce polluted rain water runoff by simply planting a specialized garden.

Rain gardens are a useful infiltration technique in which water is captured in a garden that features primarily native plantings. The rain water has a chance to slowly filter into the ground rather than run off into the storm sewer. It is a popular way to reduce nonpoint source pollution and protect our lakes and streams.

For more information on rain gardens and a step by step guide on how to build your own, download Rain Gardens: A how-to manual for homeowners, published by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District also has a Green Neighbor Guide that has easy to follow instructions on how to reduce stormwater runoff through downspout disconnections, rain barrels, rain gardens and bioswales, permeable pavement, and drywells.

Visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for Rain Garden Requirements and Plant Lists.

This page was last updated May, 25, 2022.