Rain gardens as stormwater management tool

Abstract

Stormwater runoff contributes significantly to urban flooding, groundwater pollution, reduction in water table, surface water quality impairment, etc. as it contains various pollutants that pose risks to life forms. Therefore, management practices must be implemented for mitigating stormwater pollution. Out of the several best management practices (BMPs), rain gardens (also known as bioretention systems (green infrastructures)) is one such practice that is being widely used these days to reduce non-point source pollution arising from urban areas. Physico-chemical and biological features of rain gardens positively helps in remediating contaminants, storing runoff water, reducing peak-flow, nutrient cycling, sequestring heavy metals and also provides supplementary benefits such as recreational facilities. In this chapter, information has been provided on stormwater pollution and use of rain gardens for stormwater treatment. The potential of rain gardens for stormwater treatment has also been critically examined by looking at the present research initiatives taken towards effective implementation of this Green Infrastructure (GI) technology.