Bioswales are channels designed to concentrate and convey stormwater runoff while removing debris and pollution. Bioswales can also be beneficial in recharging groundwater.
Runoff from the vicinity flows into an adjacent bioswale
Two bioswales for a housing development. The foreground one is under construction while the background one is established.
A curbside bioswale in Chicago.
Stormwater, also written storm water, is water that originates from precipitation (storm), including heavy rain and meltwater from hail and snow. Stormwater can soak into the soil (infiltrate) and become groundwater, be stored on depressed land surface in ponds and puddles, evaporate back into the atmosphere, or contribute to surface runoff. Most runoff is conveyed directly as surface water to nearby streams, rivers or other large water bodies without treatment.
Urban runoff entering a storm drain
Relationship between impervious surfaces and surface runoff
Urban runoff being discharged to coastal waters
Retention basin for management of stormwater