As a homeowner, you can have a big impact on local stormwater management. Installing simple practices, such as a rain garden or rain barrel, can help reduce stormwater runoff which puts less pressure on storm drains, reducing stormwater pollution downstream.
Rain Barrels
Installing rain barrels to catch rain water runoff from your roof during a storm prevents that water from adding to the runoff that causes pollutants to be picked up and deposited into our rivers and streams during a rain event, and also helps reduce flooding. An added benefit: You have stored rainwater for plants during dry periods.
Rain Gardens
Installing rain gardens to catch rain water runoff from impervious services (such as roofs, driveways, and sidewalks) during a storm prevents that water from adding to the runoff that causes pollutants to be picked up and deposited into our rivers and streams during a rain event, and also helps reduce flooding. Rain gardens are designed to hold water than would have run off during a storm for up to two days, so that it can be absorbed into the ground.
Workshops
Every year, the Elkhart County SWCD hosts at least one Rain Garden & Rain Barrel Workshop. These workshops cover topics such as installation, maintenance, care, and why these practices are important. These workshops count towards the Rain Garden & Rain Barrel Incentive Program which you can check out below!
Incentive Program
Since 2009 The Greater Elkhart County Stormwater Partnership has been helping homeowners install rain gardens and rain barrels in most of Elkhart County. For homeowners who qualify, the program can reimburse up to $250 for rain garden plants and $50 for rain barrels. The program comes as a result of stakeholder input into the Partnership’s stormwater fee. The program is open to anyone in Elkhart, Goshen, Bristol, or unincorporated areas of Elkhart County.
You Want to Do Your Part. We Want to Help.
The application is available at the Elkhart County SWCD office or at the links below. Approval will be given on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available.
In order to qualify for reimbursement, applicants must also attend a workshop on rain gardens and rain barrels (see above).
OTHER RESOURCES
**Please note that this presentation does not count for the Rain Garden & Rain Barrel Incentive program, you must attend a live presentation for it to meet requirements.