The construction of buildings, roads, and other impervious structures allows water running over these surfaces to accumulate pollutants that eventually flow into nearby waterbodies. These pollutants can range from gasoline to soda cans to tire shreds. If left untreated, these pollutants can be detrimental to native ecosystems.

What is a rain garden?

A rain garden is a type of green infrastructure that serves as a natural filter by removing pollutants and impurities through biological processes in soil and plant roots in addition to interactions with living organisms. Rain gardens exhibit high detention times and high infiltration rates so that contaminates may be eliminated from the water.

Much of Kentucky is comprised of karst geography, which is unsurprising due to the large amount of limestone Kentucky possess. Water often moves through hollowed out layers in limestone formations - occasionally this water surfaces. This site is one such location where groundwater makes an above ground appearance. As of now, water is being pushed to the surface and pooling throughout the area.

The objective of this project is to design and install a rain garden that will provide stormwater treatment as well increase water infiltration to the ground. This rain garden will also function as an outdoor recreation area and educational tool for the students and faculty of UK and BCTC and the Lexington community.