The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate has completed the construction of the biggest rain garden in the southern hemisphere in Isabella Plains.
The garden is located in parkland beside the suburb’s Upper Stranger Pond and has a treatment area of 5,200 square metres.
In a statement, the Directorate said building the rain garden started in 2017 as part of the ACT Healthy Waterways project, with a focus on limiting the amount of pollutants entering the Lake Tuggeranong Catchment.
“Stormwater runoff is a major source of water pollution in our creeks and lakes, and threatens the quality of life for aquatic animals living in our waterways,” the Directorate said.
“Since construction began in the Isabella Plains rain garden, over 35,000 seedlings have been planted in the region and it is now home to numerous native birds and wildlife.”
It said the rain garden would treat 1,800 litres of storm water a second before it entered the lake, removing 80,000 kilograms of pollutants every year, including nitrogen, phosphorous and suspended sediment.
“During the final design phase, some changes were made to the original concept designs to accommodate community feedback, make best use of the existing terrain, reduce project costs and maximise water quality outcomes,” it said.
Residents interested in contributing to the improvement of the Territory’s water may find the Department’s tips at this PS News link useful with more information about creating their own rain garden at this link.
