RainWise Program
Learn what you can do around your home and take action with RainWise Tools.
RainWise Information (pdf's)
RainWise guide (introduction)
Planting Trees
Improving Soil with Compost
Reducing Pavement & Permeable Paving Options
Disconnecting Downspouts
Installing Cisterns
Building Rain Gardens
Maintaining Rain Gardens
Rock-filled Trenches
Materials & Suppliers
Rain Garden Handbook
Plant Lists
Managing Stormwater at Home
Rain falling on our roofs, driveways, or compacted soil rushes off quickly to the nearest drain or stream. In big storms, this excess “storm water” can cause sewer backups, or pollute and erode our streams. We can all help reduce runoff and pollution with simple RainWise practices.
Why be RainWise?
- Reduce flooding
- Protect property
- Restore our waters, for people and wildlife
Learn more with the RainWise guide (pdf) and factsheets at right. For printed copies, call the Garden Hotline at (206) 633-0224, or email help@gardenhotline.org
Explore stormwater solutions tailored to your property, find examples of projects citywide, or select a contractor on the RainWise Tools website (requires high-speed internet connection).
To find out about new Seattle rebates for installing cisterns and rain gardens, see RainWise Rebates.
Note: These factsheets are for voluntary improvements by homeowners that are unlikely to require a permit. Any project that needs a building permit must meet the requirements of Seattle’s building and stormwater codes. Additional design guidance, and code requirements for projects applying for a Stormwater Facility Credit, can be found in the
Stormwater Flow Control & Water Quality Treatment Technical Requirements Manual.
RainWise videos
Watch videos by UW students on:
Low Impact Development & You
Seattle's LID and RainWise
Related links
Restore Our Waters
Natural Lawn and Garden Care
Backyard Composting
Prevent Pollution in Creeks & Lakes
Rain Water Harvesting
Green Home Remodeling Guides – see the Managing Rainwater guide.
Links to other sites
RainWise - Stormwater Professional Design Seminars.
Soak Up the Rain - EPA New England’s RainWise practices. Includes information on green roofs.
Green Roofs - Seattle Department of Planning and Development.
SEPA Determination of Non-Significance (pdf) and SEPA Environmental Checklist (pdf) for the RainWise program.