Retain the Rain

Working together to lower the level of future flooding on the Mississippi River, control storm water runoff and reduce pollution of streams and rivers.

You can make a difference to reduce runoff, pollution

In urban areas, rain, melting snow or any water that doesn't soak into the ground flows into a community's storm sewers.

The water draining into storm sewers goes directly into lakes, streams and rivers, carrying with it a variety of pollutants ranging from soil, road salt, pesticides and fertilizers, to oil, grease, leaves and litter. (Contrary to popular belief, most storm sewers don't carry water to waste water treatment plants. Only in some older communities are storm and sanitary sewers combined.)

Additional resources

• Controlling storm water runoff

• Rainwater harvesting

• Rain barrel conversion

With stormwater runoff fees and increased concern about contamination of water supplies and flooding, it makes sense to seek ways to reduce rainfall runoff from residential lots through the use of native plantings and simple retention projects.

This handbook outlines the most common retention projects to retain water on your property, allowing it to soak into the ground rather than flow into storm sewers.

Most of the projects make use of native plantings because of their ability to soak up water and stabilize the soil. Native plantings are adapted well to the local environment, providing color to yards from May through October and refuge for birds, butterflies and other insects. They’re also more tolerant during periods of drought.