Green Infrastructure uses plant or soil systems to reduce the flow of stormwater into sewer systems, lakes, rivers, and streams. Bioswales, natural areas and rain gardens are a few common types of green infrastructure.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that pollutants carried by stormwater make up approximately 70% of all water pollution. Green infrastructure absorbs and filters stormwater before it enters waterways. Some of the benefits include:
Improved water quality
Small-scale stormwater and flood control
Attracts beneficial birds, butterflies, and insects
Preserves native vegetation
Aesthetically pleasing (they look good!)
Rain Garden: A rain garden is dry most of the time, and typically drains within 12-48 hours. This prevents them from becoming a breeding area for mosquitoes. They can filter 90% of chemicals, and 80% of sediments, from stormwater. That is 30% more than a standard lawn.Bioswales: Bioswales are shallow, landscaped depressions designed to capture stormwater runoff and remove debris and pollution. They are an effective way of treating the most polluted volume of water during a rain event.Natural Areas: Wetlands, and native grasslands near water, are examples of natural areas. Using existing or rebuilt natural landscapes (i.e., forests, floodplains, and wetlands) helps to increase resilience to climate impacts such as stormwater runoff and flooding.