Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Rain gardens are shallow depressions filled with native plants that capture rainwater from rooftops or paved surfaces. They help filter pollutants from stormwater runoff before it enters rivers or streams while also recharging groundwater supplies.
A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a common outlet such as a river or lake. Rain gardens play an essential role in protecting watersheds by filtering out pollutants before they reach larger bodies of water.
Permeable pavement: Permeable pavement is designed to allow water to pass through its surface, reducing stormwater runoff. It is often used in conjunction with rain gardens to manage and filter rainwater effectively.
Erosion control: Erosion control refers to the practices and techniques used to prevent or minimize soil erosion. Rain gardens help control erosion by capturing rainfall and allowing it to infiltrate into the ground, preventing excessive runoff that can cause erosion.