The increase of urban areas makes the soil impermeable, and the rainwater that drains through the built structures goes directly into lakes and other structures through the plumbing. This running water stops the process of feeding into the water tables, which are our freshwater reservations.

Excessive rain in a short period of time can cause flooding, which is a phenomenon we have been witnessing more frequently.

Restoring natural ecosystems allows for the accumulation, purifications and infiltration of water, eases pressure on the pipelines and regulates water’s natural cycle.

It’s important to progressively infiltrate water in our properties, attempting to retain it instead of allowing it to be evacuated into the pipelines. There are several eco-friendly ways of making the most out of rainwater in your garden, back yard or terrace to boost infiltration in a controlled fashion.

First you should choose to have a generous area of permeable soil in your garden, whether that means shrubs in planters or flowery meadows. It is also possible to have areas with permeable or semi-permeable pavement, even for your parking space, and there are several options on the market for that, from stabilized gravel to grass grids.

You can also create small ponds where water is stored, small divots on the ground that will visibly accumulate more water when it rains more.

Your paved areas should have a slight slope towards your shrubs in order to make the water drain their way.

If your land has a high angled slope it is important to take the water runoff into consideration. Always keep your property’s soil type into consideration.

All these options allow water seep into your property but they are also helping you contribute to the production of oxygen, biodiversity and to help the absorption of polluting agents, which provide more life quality to your urban life.

Another interesting possibility to make the best out of rainwater is to have a reservoir, which you can use to water your garden and plants, or wash your car and pavements, for instance.

Urban rain gardens are disappearing, and they’re not just decorative, they’re essential to urban comfort.

Amália Souto de Miranda

Landscape Architect