Make a rain garden to solve water problems

In an effort to provide Campton residents with solutions to the problem of flooding, stormwater runoff and depletion of water from aquifers, the Joint Environment Management Resource Committee of the village of Campton Hills and Campton Township are sponsoring a free Rain Garden Workshop on Saturday, June 5.

Land Preservation Specialist Jim Kleinwachter from The Conservation Foundation will explain how to create a rain garden from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Campton Township Community Center, 5N082 Old LaFox Road, St. Charles.

Rain gardens absorb water and filter pollutants. Residential and urban development is depleting drainage areas for stormwater runoff. The stormwater drains through underground pipes or roadside ditches which eventually dump into streams or ponds. Today's stormwater carries with it a multitude of pollutants, including oil, grease, gasoline, antifreeze, paint, pesticides, household solvents, pet waste, garbage and yard waste, all of which end up in the groundwater.

Rain gardens help alleviate flooding. A Water Resources Research study estimates that when a community's forest and wetland areas are reduced by 30 percent, the risk of having a 100-year flood doubles. Due to the increased eradication of forests and wetlands, which act as sponges to soak up rainwater, residential areas can expect to see an increase in flooding. Compacted lawns, asphalt driveways and roads force rainwater into storm sewers and surrounding rivers and ponds which often results in flooding. Homeowners can help counter the risk of increasing flooding and pollutant runoff into the groundwater by installing rain gardens. The rain garden's natural filtration allows 30 percent more water to seep into the ground compared to a residential lawn.

Rain gardens can be installed in backyards or anywhere where roof eaves or sump pumps discharge water into expanded shallow depressions where water normally accumulates. Native water-loving plants filter water with their deep roots when planted in these depressions. To attend, e-mail Stephanie Golemba at JERMC@villageofcamptonhills.org. Rain barrels will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the village.