Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Sunday, October 29, 2006
Rain gardens filter storm water into ground By Tribune staff Some storm water utilities give credits or fee reductions for properties that provide storm water retention systems. Public works officials say La Crosse probably would not initially give such credits because it would make administration more difficult and because storm water utility measures will deal with large rain events, which projects such as rain gardens are not designed to handle. But the city has cooperated with UW-Extension in holding one seminar on rain gardens, and indicated more will be held in the future. And La Crosse Common Counci president Joe Ledvina says he wants the options offered up front. Following the first seminar, participants planted a rain garden at the Southside Neighborhood Center. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: Rain gardens increase the amount of water that filters into the ground and help prevent flooding. They are not ponds as the water soaks into the ground between rainfalls, and do not provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes as they standing water will not last the seven to 12 days needed to lay and hatch eggs. They are easily maintained, and may not require watering after plants are established. They should be at least 10 feet from the house so the water doesn’t seep into the foundation. They should not be placed over a septic system or lateral. They should not be placed under trees as the additional water might damage the trees. The size of the house, slope of the lawn, and distance from the rainspouts is used in calculating the size and depth of the rain garden area. A typical rain garden is between four and eight inches deep. A berm around the garden will be needed to keep storm water in the garden. Plantings can include a mixture of grasses and flowers, and enhanced with items such as stones.In brochures given people attending the first seminar, UW-Extension suggested measures to better the quality of water coming from yards. “A common misconception about storm sewers is that they go to a wastewater treatment plant,” says “Stormie’s Clean Water Tips.” “This is not the case. Storm sewers transport storm water (rain and melting snow) to the nearest river, lake, stream or wetland.” Suggestions for what homeowners can do include: Don’t leave soil, leaves or grass clippings to accumulate on driveways, sidewalk or street. Don’t use storm sewer for disposing motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, paints, solvents or other materials. Sweep, rather than wash, fertilizer on driveways and walkways onto the lawn because any remaining on paved areas will go into the nearest storm sewer during the next rainfall. Minimize use of de-icing materials on sidewalks and driveways. Dispose of pet wastes by flushing down toilet or burying.
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