Heavy summer downpours. Icy spring thaws. If you live in West Akron or anywhere in Summit County, you know heavy rain can test your yard and your basement. You want a simple, attractive way to manage runoff, protect your home, and maybe even save on water. In this guide, you’ll learn how rain gardens and rain barrels work here, which local grants can help, and the exact steps to get started. Let’s dive in.
Why rain gardens and barrels in Akron
Akron sees roughly 41.6 inches of precipitation a year, which adds up quickly on roofs and driveways. NOAA’s climate normals show why capturing or slowing that water at home makes a real difference.
Rain gardens and barrels help you:
- Reduce peak runoff into storm systems and local streams.
- Filter sediment and some pollutants before water leaves your yard.
- Add habitat and lower lawn maintenance with native plants.
For a deeper look at benefits and best practices, see the U.S. EPA’s guide on rain gardens.
Local grants and training
Summit County supports homeowner projects through the Stormwater Solutions program managed by Summit Soil & Water Conservation District. Review eligibility, timelines, and current-year details on the Summit SWCD program page. Program specifics change year to year, so verify current incentives before you buy or build.
County announcements have confirmed the program’s return for 2025; check updates and timelines in the Summit County Engineer’s SWMD news.
Want design confidence and a stronger application? The regional Master Rain Gardener course teaches you siting, soils, and plant selection. Learn more at the Master Rain Gardener program.
Choose your approach
- Rain garden: A landscaped basin that lets water soak in. Good for downspouts, driveway edges, and wet spots where you want cleaner infiltration and curb appeal.
- Rain barrel or cistern: Containers that store roof runoff for later use on landscaping.
- Hybrid: Barrels capture the first flush, then overflow to a rain garden for infiltration.
Rain garden basics in Summit County
Site safely
Place the garden downhill of the downspout you’ll use, generally at least about 10 feet from your foundation. Keep it away from septic systems and utilities, and aim for a spot that can drain without affecting neighboring properties. The EPA’s rain garden page is a helpful planning reference.
Test your soil
Do a simple infiltration test before you dig. Dig a small hole, fill it with water, and time the drain-down. If it drains within roughly a day, you’re likely good to proceed; slower soils may need a larger garden, amended soil, or an underdrain. See this quick how-to from Massachusetts on testing and planning a rain garden.
Right size and depth
A common rule-of-thumb is to size a rain garden at about 5 to 25 percent of the roof or driveway area draining to it. For example, a 1,000 square-foot roof might call for a garden in the 50 to 200 square-foot range depending on your soil and target storm. For simple homeowner sizing steps, use this overview on rain garden calculations.
Pick the right plants
Choose hardy native perennials that handle both brief ponding and dry spells. Place moisture-loving species in the center and more drought-tolerant plants on the edges. Group plants in swaths for easier maintenance and better seasonal interest.
Maintain for performance
Expect seasonal weeding, mulching, and occasional plant replacements during the first few years. Inspect inlets after storms and keep the basin draining within a day or two to avoid standing water.
Rain barrels and cisterns
Estimate your storage
Use this quick formula: Gallons captured = Roof area (sq ft) × Rainfall (in) × 0.623. One inch of rain on 1,000 square feet yields about 623 gallons. For tips on sizing and basic setup, see this rain barrel guide.
Choose sizes and setup
Most barrels hold 50 to 100 gallons. Many homeowners connect several in series or step up to a larger above-ground cistern for meaningful storage. If you plan to pursue local reimbursement, follow the Summit SWCD steps and timelines from the start.
Use and safety
Barrel water is generally for non-potable uses like landscape irrigation. If you intend to treat and use rainwater for drinking or other potable uses, Ohio’s private water system rules apply. Review the statute and consult your local board of health before planning a potable system (Ohio Revised Code 3701.344).
Maintain and winterize
Keep lids sealed and screens on inlets and overflows to keep debris and pests out. Check fittings after big storms. Drain and disconnect before hard freezes to protect your barrel and downspout.
Permits and sewer rules in Akron
Most small rain gardens and non-potable rain barrels do not require a building permit, but confirm before you start, especially if you will alter drainage or tie into public infrastructure. Never connect roof drains to sanitary sewers. The county highlights risks from illicit connections and may require disconnection and repairs; learn more at Summit County Sanitary Sewer Services. If you have property-specific questions, contact the City of Akron Public Service and the Summit County Engineer’s office.
Step-by-step plan
- Identify the goal. Reduce basement dampness, slow driveway runoff, or store water for irrigation.
- Check grants and timing. Review eligibility and application steps on the Summit SWCD program page and note deadlines.
- Walk the site and test soils. Confirm where water flows and run a simple infiltration test.
- Pick a solution. Choose a rain garden, rain barrels, or a hybrid that fits your yard and goals.
- Get pre-approval if needed. Some reimbursements require a pre-check and photos.
- Install and document. Follow your plan, then keep receipts and take pictures for reimbursement.
- Maintain. Inspect after storms and refresh mulch and plants as needed.
Costs at a glance
- DIY rain garden: often a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on size, soil amendments, and plants.
- Professionally installed rain garden: commonly several hundred to several thousand dollars based on scope and soil conditions.
- Rain barrels: from under $100 for basics to several hundred dollars for larger or decorative systems. Larger cisterns are priced by volume and setup.
Ready to make your yard work smarter and look better at the same time? If you’re weighing upgrades before selling or want help finding a home with the right outdoor potential, reach out to Kemi Alege for local guidance tailored to your goals.
FAQs
Do I need a permit in Akron for a rain garden or barrel?
- Typically no for small, non-potable systems, but confirm with the City of Akron and Summit SWCD before starting, especially if you plan to alter drainage or connect to public storm infrastructure.
Will a rain garden breed mosquitoes?
- A properly built rain garden drains within about a day after storms, so it is not designed to hold standing water long-term. Good maintenance prevents mosquito issues.
How many rain barrels do I need for my roof?
- Use the formula: area × rainfall × 0.623. One inch on 1,000 square feet is about 623 gallons, so multiple barrels or a cistern are common for meaningful storage.
Can I use rain barrel water on edible plants?
- Rainwater from roofs is generally non-potable and may carry contaminants. Many homeowners limit barrel water to ornamental landscapes unless they add treatment and follow safe practices.
Are Summit County grants available this year?
- Program details and deadlines change. Check the Summit SWCD Stormwater Solutions page for current-year eligibility, timelines, and required steps before you buy materials.
