Seattle’s Rain Garden Programs

Seattle’s Rain Garden Programs

Seattle has made significant investments in rain garden programs and has encouraged residents to participate through various initiatives:

• RainWise Program: A collaboration between Seattle Public Utilities and King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division, the RainWise Program provides rebates to property owners who install rain gardens or cisterns. This program has been instrumental in reducing stormwater runoff in neighborhoods that drain into the Puget Sound.
• Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI): Rain gardens are part of Seattle’s larger Green Stormwater Infrastructure initiative. Through GSI, Seattle aims to manage 700 million gallons of stormwater each year by 2025 using sustainable methods like rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavement.
• Residential Workshops and Resources: Seattle offers workshops and online resources to educate homeowners about rain garden design, installation, and maintenance. These programs help empower residents to create effective rain gardens that complement Seattle’s natural landscape.

By adopting rain gardens, Seattle demonstrates a sustainable approach that other urban areas can look to as a model. The city’s commitment to managing its natural resources responsibly has made it a pioneer in urban stormwater solutions, inspiring other cities to turn to green infrastructure as a practical solution for environmental challenges.