A bioswale is a vegetated open trench designed specifically to temporarily store and infiltrate stormwater. Bioswales are planted with deep-rooted native grasses and forbs.
Bioswales are often used as an alternative to standard below ground stormwater sewers. They can be found on the edges of parking lots or around developments and vary widely in size.
Benefits
- Bioswales can reduce runoff volumes and rates by slowing water down through the vegetation allowing groundwater to recharge and sustaining stream baseflows.
- Bioswales are planted with deep-rooted native grasses and forbs that enhance infiltration, cooling, and cleansing of water in order to improve water quality.
- This may reduce detention needs for the area.