Services

Natural Stormwater Management

Whenever possible and practical, the Village employs nature-based solutions or green infrastructure practices, to manage the effects of stormwater. 

The many benefits of these practices result in:

  • Improved air and water quality
  • Improved habitats for pollinators and other wildlife
  • Reduction in erosion
  • Reduced runoff into storm sewers
  • Increased water conservation 


These same solutions can also be used by residents to manage stormwater at home on their private property. 


BIOSWALES

Bioswales are ditches or swales planted with deep-rooted native plants to help collect, infiltrate, and filter stormwater runoff.


NATURAL AREAS

Restoring areas to their natural state is beneficial to the environment and to managing the effects of stormwater. The Village uses native plants to return areas to a state that complements the ecosystem.


NATIVE PLANTS

Landscapes that incorporate plants native to the region can have a great impact on stormwater and flooding. Their deep root systems absorb water run-off and once established, require much less maintenance versus grass or non-native plants.

RAIN BARRELS

Rain barrels are large containers that capture and store rain water from your roof, which can then be used to water plants, wash your car and reduce your water bill.

RAIN GARDENS

Rain gardens are depressional areas planted with native plants to reduce stormwater runoff and pollutants.

DRYWELLS

A drywell is a structure that provides underground stormwater storage. Runoff is channeled away from the surface, allowing water to slowly infiltrate into the surrounding soil.

PERMEABLE PAVEMENT

Permeable pavement (or pavers) is a specific type of pavement with a high porosity that allows rainwater to pass through it into the ground below. They are installed with layers of varying-sized stone or soil underneath that filter and absorb water.

More Information

Click on a category below.

Bioswales

Bioswale Program | Village of Downers Grove | pdf

Native Plants

Rain Barrels

Rain Gardens