Harvest the rain!... In a cistern or rain barrels, by replacing impermeable surfaces with permeable pavements or landscaping, or by directing downspouts into a rain garden, swale, or dry creek bed.
Certification Requirement
Downspout disconnection, rain gardens, dry creek beds, bioswales, permeable pavements, rainwater harvesting in cisterns, or other ecological stormwater management practices are used in at least one area to reduce the volume and peak flow of stormwater run-off from the site.
Recommendations
• Visible downspouts are directed away from impermeable surfaces into vegetated areas, mulched areas, cisterns, or bioretention areas.
• Overflow from cisterns is directed into vegetated areas, mulched areas, or bioretention areas.
Helpful Resources
Monterey Bay Friendly Landscaping Fact Sheets
Rainwater Harvesting in Cisterns and Barrells
Central Coast Low Impact Development Initiative
Slow it! Spread it! Sink it! A homeowner's guide to greening stormwater runoff.
www.rcdsantacruz.org/stormwater
Surfrider Foundation Ocean Friendly Gardens
