How Rain Gardens Help Portland Homeowners Save on Utility Bills

Our neighbors to the south in the city of Portland are doing some great things with rain gardens as well. Seattle has led the way, but other cities have been doing their part in stormwater controls. The Portland Tribune has this cool feature explaining how one couple in Portland, Ore., saved money on their utility bill with their three rain gardens.

Rain gardens — essentially sunken areas filled with plants to collect surface water — absorb rainfall coming off the roof of the Hubatches’ one-story home. That eases the burden on Portland’s oft-overloaded sewer system. As a result, the couple get a discount on the stormwater management portion of their water and sewer bill.

The article lists some great ways that homeowners can help manage rainwater runoff, including installing rain barrels or cisterns to capture and hold rain for later reuse. In an earlier blog post, we explained how Seattle rain gardens can help keep pollutants out of Puget Sound. We can help you design, install, and maintain your own rain garden. Contact us to get the process started.