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