Curb your rainwater, filter water runoff

Southern California’s rare storms — one of which is expected this holiday week — can wash pollutants into local streams.

A simple rain garden planted with native vegetation captures runoff from roofs and driveways, filters contaminants and recharges the soil in your yard — allowing about 30% more water to soak into the ground compared to lawns. Connecting gutters to a rain garden can channel up to 900 gallons from a single storm.

Native plants like Iris douglasii, Juncus patens, Achillea millefolium, and Leymus triticoides thrive in wet dry cycles, reduce flooding risks, recharge aquifers, and provide habitat for birds and butterflies.

With these sustainable options, your yard will become a natural filter that safeguards nearby streams, creeks and storm drains.

Visit IRWD.com/landscape for helpful resources to get started.