MSD Green Solutions Information

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are designed to infiltrate stormwater runoff. They help catch runoff before it reaches the storm drains. By diverting storm water into rain gardens from our roofs and other hard surfaces such as driveways or patios, we improve the water quality of our local streams and at the same time create functioning gardens which support biodiversity.

When sized and constructed properly, rain gardens are able to handle the amount of storm water produced in an average event. One inch of rain, running off from an average 1,500 square foot house equals 935 gallons of water, filling 16 rain barrels or 13 bathtubs!

MSD gathered information from other communities that are known for their rain garden programs and developed a Rain Garden Manual specifically for the Louisville area. It is available for downloading from our Web site. If you would prefer hard copy, please call Customer Relations at 587- 0603 and request one.

Several rain gardens have been installed locally that you can visit are:

• 1850 and 1852 Harvard Street
• 2379 Gladstone Avenue.
• St. Peter Claver Community Center in front of the community gardens on Lampton Street

Future rain gardens;

Weather permitting MSD will be installing a demonstration rain garden with Dropseed Nursery at the Louisville Nature Center (LNC). Phyllis Croce and Margaret Shea will be giving a workshop on the design, installation and maintenance of rain gardens Saturday, April 19 at LNC. Call 458-1328 for upcoming reservations. Watch their website for work shops on design, installation and maintenance of rain gardens. www.louisvillenaturecenter.org

MSD is also supporting the development of several rain gardens of various sizes and location. Watch the MSD Web site for updates.

The Rain Barrel Story 2008

Rain barrels collect and store rainwater from your roof top to use later for watering your garden or lawn. Since introducing the concept of rain barrels in April 2006, MSD has placed approximately 400 throughout the community. Each barrel provides storage for 58 gallons of water.

Due to an increase in demand for rain barrels, MSD has partnered with a local vocational group, Louisville Youthbuild to convert the food-grade barrels into rain barrels. The process allows Youthbuild students to gain construction skills. MSD provides the barrels, parts, and adaptors for construction.

MSD now has rain barrels assembled for public sale. To assist with sale and distribution of the barrels MSD has partnered with the Louisville Nature Center (LNC) to reserve, sell, and schedule pick up times. The cost of one rain barrel is $70, or $65 for 2 or more barrels. Each rain barrel comes with installation and maintenance instructions. The LNC phone number is 458-1328 and is located across from the Louisville Zoo at 3745 Illinois Avenue.

While MSD doesn't promote specific rain barrel vendors, company names and contact information is being provided to assist the public in their rain barrel purchase.

In the Metro Louisville area:

Dropseed Native Plant Nursery
http://www.dropseednursery.com

For an out of state contact: Aaron's Rain Barrels
http://www.ne-design.net

Youthbuild students after the installation of the rain garden at St. Peter Claver

For a source of used whiskey and wine oak barrels that are suitable for use as rain barrels, Kelvin Cooperage.
http://www.kelvincooperage.com

Of course we encourage research of the Internet for other sources, outlets and other information on rain barrels.
www.kentuckypride.com