Why settle for a flood-prone eyesore, when you could instead turn that empty lot into a park-like urban oasis? Listen up:
Rain barrels and gardens help control stormwater, and make your yard beautiful too! (via Save the Rain)
Syracuse, New York had a problem. Heavy rain events were overwhelming the water treatment system and shooting a mix of stormwater and sewage into a nearby lake that supplies the city’s drinking water.
But instead of building a new treatment facility, the city turned vacant lots into urban forests and rain gardens, explains Tom Rhoads of the Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection. He says runoff is diverted to these spaces so it can slowly filter into the ground.
“In lieu of creating a big tank where we literally would tear a neighborhood down,” comments Rhoads, “we’re using green infrastructure practices to rebuild neighborhoods.”
Making better use of rainfall while creating park-like spaces for the community to enjoy? Double-win.
Hear More:
Tom Rhoads describes the amount of water saved each year by urban forests and rain gardens.
Take Action:
- Check out the Save the Rain website.
- Plant your own rain garden to help control stormwater in your neighborhood!
- Build and decorate your own rain barrel to collect excess water, and then use it to wash your car!
The fine print:
- This segment was produced in partnership with Cornell’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future
