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RiverSmart Washington offers six options to private property owners in the target neighborhoods. DDOE must conduct an initial assessment of each property to evaluate suitability for installation of one or more of these options.
Rain Gardens
 A rain garden is a low-lying garden bed filled with a soil mixture that will hold water and allow it to infiltrate slowly into the ground. The garden is planted with deep-rooted native plants that are adapted to wet ground conditions. This is a wonderful way to beautify your yard, attract songbirds and butterflies, and reduce pollution and erosion in your local creek. See examples of native plants here.
“BayScaping”
 BayScaping is simply planting vegetation that is native to the Chesapeake Bay region. This low-cost alternative to turf lawns minimizes the need for fertilizer, mowing, pruning and irrigation, while also helping to prevent soil erosion. Best of all -- BayScaping can be installed anywhere in your yard!
See examples of native plants here.
Pervious Pavers and Porous Concrete
 Pervious pavers and porous concrete are attractive alternatives to concrete and asphalt for patios, walkways, and driveways. Water seeps through the surface and into the ground.
Rain Barrels
 Rain barrels capture and store the rainwater running off your rooftop. The harvested rainwater can be stored for later use, released slowly over time to infiltrate properly, or used for watering lawns and landscaped areas, filling ponds or fountains, or washing cars.
Downspout Disconnections and Diversions
 Downspouts carry rainwater from rooftops down the side of buildings and away from the foundation. Some downspouts empty directly onto pavement or run through a pipe that carries the rainwater to a sidewalk, alley, or street. Others—in combined sewer areas—are connected directly to the sewer system. Where it is feasible to do so, downspouts will be disconnected from the sewer system or diverted from pavement so that rainwater can soak into the ground near where it falls.
Shade Trees
 Beautiful native trees that reach over 25 feet tall—such as oaks, maples, black gums—capture rain with both their roots and leaf canopies. Plus they reduce air pollution, cut air conditioning bills, and provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife!
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