Right as Rain: Control Water Pollution with Your Own Rain Garden. (House and Home)

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Although it comes as a surprise to many homeowners, the suburban neighborhood is a leading source of water pollution. Residential streets and driveways are inundated with oils and metals from cars and trucks, while lawns and gardens release fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides and pets deposit waste along curbsides. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, stormwater runoff from urban areas is the leading pollutant of rivers and lakes.

Homeowners can prevent pollutants from harming surface and groundwater by installing a rain garden, a pond-like recess shaped like a saucer or shallow bowl. Rainwater from the driveway, walkway and lawn is directed to flow into this depression, allowing the natural biochemical activity in mulch and soil to transform toxins into harmless compounds.

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