The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) builds and maintains rain gardens (also known as right-of-way bioswales) to manage stormwater runoff from streets and sidewalks and improve water quality in local waterways.
Rain gardens are planted areas that may look similar to a street tree pit or small garden. You can identify a rain garden by the following features:
- Black metal fence with a bright blue DEP rain garden decal or educational sign along the fence post
- Tree and/or a variety of plants
- Curb inlet and outlet that allow stormwater to enter the rain garden
- Low area in the center to collect stormwater
You can report these conditions in a rain garden:
- Debris - litter or trash accumulation
- Planting - unhealthy, damaged, or missing plants
- Structure - guard rail, sidewalk, or curb damage
Attaching pictures or videos of the condition will help DEP locate and address the problem more efficiently.
