Valparaiso City Utilities

Rain Gardens

The Valparaiso Department of Water Works, with the assistance of JFNew, Ecological Consultants & Environmental Engineers, has developed a "Rain Garden" at the north end of the main parking lot located at 205 Billings Street (click here to view / print our Rain Garden Brochure (PDF file)..

The department became interested in constructing a rain garden on its property to control and treat stormwater runoff after attending a presentation by the Valparaiso City Engineer. And, since the department has a Wellhead Protection Program in place, the rain garden is also a great way to protect groundwater resources.

So what exactly is a rain garden? A rain garden is a man-made depression in the ground that is used to improve water quality. The rain garden creates a "bioretenion area" by collecting water runoff and storing it, which allows the water to filter slowly into the soil. The filtering process happens when the water comes "in contact" with the soil and the roots of vegetation. The rain water is ponded in the depression of the rain garden where the highest concentration of materials washed off of roofs and parking lots collects. The plants remove many pollutants as the water filters through the mature plants and root systems, which promotes more groundwater infiltration and lessens water runoff.

So what do you need to make a rain garden? There are three (3) areas that make a successful rain garden.

1. Location. You should construct the rain garden in close proximity to hard surfaces such as parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks. This will allow the rain to collect and percolate through the rain garden.

2. Landscaping. A rain garden is designed with a depression at the center to allow the collection of rain runoff. Any degree of depression is useful, from slight dips to larger swales.

3. Plants. Hardy native species that do not require chemical pesticides or regular fertilization are best. Good choices for a rain garden are shrubs as well as wild flowers and grasses.

The Valparaiso Water Department has been recognized throughout the community for its efforts to control stormwater runoff through the construction of a rain garden at its main office. Both the Valparaiso Water Department and the Stormwater Management Board hope that this project will set an example of a viable water collection and treatment system for residental as well as commercial or industrial facilities throughout the Valparaiso community. Environmentalists, students, and the citizens of Valparaiso will be able to enjoy and learn from this project for many years to come.

For additional information on the Rain Garden project, please contact John Hardwick, Utilities Director, at (219) 462-6174 extension 1302.

The Northern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) also provides excellent information on how to start and maintain a raingarden. Click here to view / print down their brochure.

The Valparaiso City Utilities Rain Garden project is dedicated to the memory of Jerry McInenery.