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DEP Home : Water : RainScapes Program
For questions about RainScapes, contact DEP: 311
Email: askdep@montgomerycountymd.gov
The RainScapes program promotes and implements projects on residential, institutional, and commercial properties to reduce stormwater pollution. The County offers technical and financial assistance (in the form of rebates) to encourage property owners to implement eligible RainScapes techniques on their property.
There are two ways for private homeowners/businesses to participate:
RainScapes are a vital component of the County’s watershed restoration efforts, which are required by law (under the County’s NPDES Stormwater Permit). Please note that even if you are not yet ready to install a RainScape on your property we recommend everyday steps to reduce polluted stormwater runoff from your yard.
Most rainfall on urban surfaces such as roofs, driveways, roads, parking lots and patios ends up as stormwater runoff. In contrast rainfall on natural surfaces (e.g., forests and meadows) soaks into the ground where it can replenish groundwater and recharge streams. RainScapes techniques include rainfall capture and holding, rainfall interception, and simulating good, natural drainage which help to:
RainScapes is part of the Watershed Restoration effort in Montgomery County. This map shows the type and general location of the RainScapes Rewards Projects. These and the Capitol Improvements Projects of the Watershed Restoration Section of the Watershed Management Division are ways that the county is working to meet our regulatory requirements and to enhance the quality of the environment in the County.
Learn more about selecting appropriate RainScapes techniques for your property.
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The table below shows some of the techniques that are eligible for RainScapes financial rebates.
Rain gardenRain gardens are shallow gardens designed to capture and soak up stormwater. What to consider when installing a rain garden
Conservation LandscapingConservation landscaping uses native plants that are adapted to local rainfall and soil conditions to replace part of your traditional lawn. What to consider when installing conservation landscaping.
Tree CanopyA tree canopy is created when trees planted near each other create an “umbrella” or canopy of leaf cover that shades the ground. Tree leaves intercept rainfall and their roots absorb it. What to consider when planting a tree.
Permeable PaversReplacing the hard, impermeable surfaces on your property with materials such as permeable pavers allows rainwater to soak into the ground. This reduces the amount of runoff that leaves the property. What to consider when installing permeable pavers.
Green RoofGreen roofs are covered with a waterproof membrane and then planted with a special vegetation system to absorb rainfall. What to consider when installing a green roof.
Rain barrels and cisternsRain barrels and cisterns collect and store rainwater from your roofs. What to consider when installing a rain barrel or cistern.
Dry wellsA dry well is an underground gravel-filled pit that collects stormwater from roof downspouts or hard surfaces, such as driveways and filters the water through the ground. What to consider when installing a drywell.