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The
UD Rain Garden| The
Smartyards program is specially designed to utilize local native
plant species, reduce stormwater runoff, filter pollutants,
provide excellent habitat, and give homeowners the education
and tools necessary to start implementing best management practices
on their properties. Smartyards reduce stormwater runoff and associated nonpoint source pollutants, such as phosphorus, bacteria, and sediment. Through conversion from a lawn to a Smartyard, and changes in property management practices, participants are able to reduce their outdoor lawn and garden water use, while increasing opportunities for groundwater recharge and infiltration. Water quality benefits for Smartyards can be calculated using the Purdue L-THIA water quality model, based on property portion converted from lawn to a Smartyard, which have similar water quality benefits as forests. Additionally, Smartyard participants are required to practice at least four resource conservation measures that can be readily expanded to the remainder of the property, further increasing the water quality benefits.
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Water
Resources Agency
Institute
for Public Administration | College of
Human Services, Education & Public Policy
DGS Annex | University of Delaware |
Newark, DE 19716
phone 302 831 8971| water-info@udel.edu
| fax 302 831 4934
©University of Delaware, all rights reserved