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Inspiration Card
Nature Based Solution
Constructed Wetlands & Built Structures for Water Management

N19 Rain garden

Copyright
Small scale Raingarden, Minneapolis USA
QR Code for https://unalab.eu/en/node/185
Challenges
Climate Resilience Water Management Natural and Climate Hazards Biodiversity Enhancement Air Quality Health and Well-being Social Justice and Social Cohesion
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Description

A rain garden primarily serves for small-scale water management (e.g. storage, infiltration, pollution removal). They are often established within the built environment and collect water runoff from roofs, roads and other sealed surfaces. Water is temporarily stored in the raingarden and then infiltrates through the soil or flows into the sewer system. Raingardens are not restricted to certain climate zones, however the selected vegetation should be adapted to the local environmental and climate conditions.

Conditions for Implementation
  • Space needed
  • Selection of well-adapted plant species
  • Semi-regular maintenance
Similar Terminology
Bioretention area
Bioretention swale
Performance
    Cooling Service Transpiration ● ○ ○
    Shading ○ ○ ○
    Evaporation ● ○ ○
    Building (Insulation) ○ ○ ○
    Reflection (Albedo) ○ ○ ○
    Surface Water Regulation Water Conveyance ○ ○ ○
    Water Infiltration ● ○ ○
    Water Retention ● ○ ○
    Water Storage ● ○ ○
    Water Reuse ● ● ○
    Water Purification Water Filtering ● ○ ○
    Water Bio-remediation ● ○ ○
    Air Purification and Noise Reduction Deposition ○ ○ ○
    Air Biofiltration ○ ○ ○
    Noise Reduction ○ ○ ○
    Biodiversity Habitat Provision ● ● ○
    Connectivity ● ○ ○
    Socio-Cultural Services Beauty / Appearance ● ● ○
    Usability / Functionality ● ○ ○
    Social Interaction ● ○ ○
    Education ○ ○ ○
    Provisioning Service Food / Energy / Material ○ ○ ○
    Climate Regulation CO2 Sequestration ○ ○ ○