Rain is an essential part of life, but too much rain can cause flooding, erosion and pollution. As climate change progresses, we are seeing more frequent and intense rain storms.
Taking small actions at home can reduce the harmful impacts of stormwater runoff.
Help protect your family, home, community and the environment by making your home rain ready!
Rain Ready Champions
Check out the latest submissions to the Rain Ready Challenge by local residents!
Downtown Brampton resident Karli M. added a double downspout extender to move water away from their home’s foundation and toward the lawn, allowing it to be infiltrated where it can most benefit the mature tree canopy.
Image 1 & 2 - Double downspout extender (Photo by Karli M.)
Stacey W added a rainwater collection system on their property. The barrel collects rain at the back of the house and the front garden has a rainwater garden, with a dry river stone bed and native plantings to absorb runoff and support pollinators. Plants include, slender willow, boneset, Culver's root, prairie smoke, wild strawberry, little bluestem, among others...
Image 3 & 4 - Rainwater Collection System (Left), Downspout leading to a Rain Garden (Right) (Photos by Stacey W.)
Leslie M. created a dry river bed as part of their backyard landscaping and have a downspout directed into a rain barrel which drains into the river bed. An additional rain barrel is used to save water when watering plants.
Image 5 & 6 - Rain Barrel draining to river bed (left), River bed when raining (right)
YOU can be Rain Ready like Karli, Stacey and Leslie and divert your downspout or collect rainwater on your property. Diverting a downspout helps prevent stormwater from seeping into the ground and causing cracks or leaks in your basement walls and foundation, and around windows or doors. Harvesting rainwater is an opportunity to reduce runoff, save drinking water, and utilize a free resource from nature!
