Charleston Rainproof

Charleston Rainproof logo

Charleston Rainproof is about us, the whole community- working together towards a common goal of addressing increasingly frequent and heavy rainfall.  

The concept is simple: utilize both public and private spaces to capture rainwater. The program draws inspiration from Amsterdam Rainproof, and is a recommendation from the Dutch Dialogues.

SIMPLE WAYS TO RAINPROOF A HOME OR OFFICE YARD

  1. Install a Rain Garden 
  2. Collect water in a Rain Barrel
  3. Plant a Tree
  4. Use Native Plants

View a printable flyer

The Charleston Rainproof Mini-Grant Program provides training and funding to install a rain garden.  

The application period is open August 11-31, 2023.  

Learn more and apply now!


"It's raining harder and harder, and our city can't handle it. 

Together, we can catch those raindrops and make Charleston Rainproof."

View larger map

Have you installed a rain garden, rain barrel or planted a tree in Charleston?  

These are all Rainproof actions!  

Showcase your project on the Charleston Rainproof Map above by completing this form.

Mini-Grant Program 

The Rainproof Mini-Grant Program provides $200 and training to support the installation of a new rain garden on your property!  


"Amsterdam's motto is 'Every Drop Counts', and they believe small individual actions incrementally add up to have a collective community-wide impact that better manages flooding and water quality."

Rainbarrel Ivy

ANNUAL RAIN BARREL SALE: APRIL/MAY

Every year, the Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium typically partners with Rainwater Solutions to provide 50 gallon Ivy Rain Barrels at a discounted price.  In May 2023 the discounted price was $77 each.  

Ordering information will be posted on this website when it becomes available.  There is typically a month long period to place an order and then pickup is early June.

Partnerships carolina_clear.rgb

Thank you Clemson Extension and Carolina Clear for providing the incredible resources for community members to learn how to install rain gardens and rainwater harvesting systems themselves, and for training designers to do it for hire!

Thank you to Roots and Shoots for partnering and supporting Charleston RainpRoots and Shoots logo roof! The nursery provides guidance to residents interested in installing a rain garden. Roots and Shoots has trained staff and has a section of their businesses specifically dedicated to plants suitable for rain gardens.  They also maintain inventory of supplies needed for rain garden and rainwater harvesting installation in addition to offering design and install services.  

Businesses selling Rainproof products and services who are interested in supporting the Rainproof program are encouraged to reach out so the City can connect residents and organizations with local resources to Rainproof their yards!

-----  Interested in Installing a Rain Garden?   Follow the Easy 5-Step Guide Below!  -----

  1. Phase 1
  2. Phase II
  3. Phase III
  4. Phase IV
  5. Phase V

Phase 1:  Interest and Research

View Past Rainproof Presentations

  1. All About Rain Gardens and Rainwater Harvesting with Clemson's Kim Morganello_08-21-18
  2. Amsterdam Rainproof inspires Charleston Rainproof.presentation by Daniel Goedbloed during Dutch Dialogues
  3. Clemson Presentation at Dutch_Dialogues_July2019 Kim Morganello

Why It Matters

Rain barrels, rain gardens and trees and native plants catch rainwater which would otherwise flow into drainage infrastructure and over dirty streets. These approaches work in concert with nature to collect and filter runoff, mitigate flooding, and minimize pollution while helping to save money and energy too.  When rainwater is collected and harnessed on site at the source (where it falls), the community gains lots of benefits such as reduced runoff, water quality protection, and the overall less quantity of water overburdening older, undersized drainage infrastructure.

Master Rain Gardener Program

The Master Rain Gardener program is a workforce development program managed by Clemson Extension Carolina Clear.  It provides design standards and the knowledge-based skill set necessary to design and install rain gardens and rainwater harvesting systems on a residential scale.   While it is not a required program to install rain gardens or rainwater harvesting systems, it is a hands on resource to support workforce training.  For a list of certified designers and installers for hire, and more information, click here.

raingarden image Clemson

Rain Garden & Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration Workshop Photos: Medway Community Garden 9.25.19

Rain Garden Demonstration Workshop 4
Rain Garden Demonstration Workshop
Rain Garden Demonstration Workshop 3
Rain Garden Demonstration Workshop 2