Rain Gardens & Rain Barrels

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are low lying areas designed to absorb and filter runoff from roofs, driveways and parking lots. Rain gardens are generally planted with native plants adapted for high levels of water, which help to hold the runoff and filter pollutants while the runoff water slowly soaks into the ground. The Howard County CleanScapes program provides site assessments of residential properties for suitable stormwater management practices (including Rain Gardens), and for qualifying projects can provide partial reimbursement for project costs as well as help reduce your Watershed Protection Fee. For more information on CleanScapes and other Howard County programs, visit the Clean Water Howard website.

Rain Barrels

Rain Barrels collect and store water runoff from roof downspouts to be reused as needed for outdoor uses where non-potable water is acceptable. Because they allow water reuse, rain barrels are a practical water conservation tool and reduce our demand on treated tap water. The Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services provides additional information on rain barrel programs, including rain barrel giveaways. Rain barrels can also be incorporated into a CleanScapes project with partial reimbursement applied, if they meet the criteria towards a reduced Watershed Protection Fee.