What is one advantage of using rain gardens for stormwater management?

Using rain gardens for stormwater management presents the significant advantage of effectively reducing runoff and filtering pollutants. Rain gardens are designed to capture and utilize rainwater from impervious surfaces, such as roofs and driveways. This process allows them to absorb water, which reduces the volume of runoff that might otherwise contribute to flooding and erosion.

Additionally, rain gardens are structured to take advantage of soil and vegetation dynamics. The native plants in these gardens filter out various pollutants—such as sediment, nutrients, and heavy metals—before the water reaches the groundwater or local water bodies. By promoting infiltration and treating stormwater on-site, rain gardens play a crucial role in enhancing water quality and managing stormwater in a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner.

This effectiveness in regards to both runoff reduction and pollutant filtration underscores why this option stands out as a key benefit of implementing rain gardens in stormwater management strategies.