When the rainy season comes, the water doesn’t just run out. It runs off. High runoff can carry pollutants into clean water, muddy yards, and damage your home’s foundation and local infrastructure. You need to divert some of that flow. There are two practical solutions. They are rainwater tanks and rain gardens.
Collect water with rain barrels
Your gutter system is already carrying water away from your roof. Typically, this water is dumps in one or two heavy streams. This can be changed. Attach the downspout to a 55-gallon bucket. When this happens, the stops the concentrated flow.
Leave the bucket lid closed. Drill a hole in the lid to fit the downspout. This prevents dirt and mosquitoes from entering. Connect the drip hose to the barrel’s spigot. Distributes water evenly across your property instead of letting it pool. You can also store water for later use. Use to water your lawn and plants during drought. This reduces waste and frees the plants from tap water.
Create a rain garden
Rain gardens make use of runoff water. Nourishes moisture-loving flowers, shrubs and trees. Find the naturally low areas of your property. This is where water tends to collect.
Size matters. The area of the garden should be about 20% of the drainage area. Arrange it in a curved shape. The longest side must be perpendicular to the slope of the land. This maximizes contact time with the water.
Dig 8 to 10 inches into the existing soil. Use this soil to create a berm on the downhill side. This barrier keeps water in the garden bed. Mix the compost into the soil. Plant hardy, thirsty species. They thrive in moist environments and help filter water before it sinks into the ground.
These methods are easy. Minimal tools are required. All you need for your garden is a shovel, compost and plants. For the buckets you will need a couple of 55-gallon containers and a hose. Safety first. Ensure structural stability. Check for leaks.
Water management is more than just drying the basement. It’s about adapting to the weather and not fighting it. The rain will come again. You’ll be ready.
