Bioswales and rain gardens are low-impact sustainable stormwater management solutions that slow, collect and filter stormwater.
Rain gardens are small-scale projects, typically in residential areas, that install flood-resistant vegetation in small depressions that collect water. Bioswales are larger projects that are engineered to manage a specified amount of runoff from a large impervious area, such as a parking lot or road.
Rain gardens are small-scale projects, typically in residential areas, that install flood-resistant vegetation in small depressions that collect water. Bioswales are larger projects that are engineered to manage a specified amount of runoff from a large impervious area, such as a parking lot or road.
Implementation Strategies
- Best Practices
- United States Environmental Protection Agency
- Western Michigan University
- Design Guidelines
- National Association of Transportation Officials (NACTO)
- Iowa Stormwater Partnership
- Building Public Support
- Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency
Rain Garden and Bioswale Models
Seattle Sea StreetsA drainage project that mimics natural drainage patterns and drastically reduces flooding.
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Green Street StewardsThe city of Seattle relies on citizen stewards to maintain its 1,350 bioswales.
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Rain Barrels for EducationMunicipal installed rain barrels to educate citizens about inexpensive flood mitigation options.
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