Bioswales

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Let a landscape bioswale capture rainwater for slower absorption. 

bioswale flower plants

Bioswales are landscape features similar to rain gardens, but in addition to capturing rainwater and snowmelt, they convey the water while allowing it to soak into the ground. Carefully chosen plant selections in bioswales help to absorb water and filter out contaminants, reducing flooding and improving local water quality. They also provide habitat for wildlife and sequester carbon.   

Designed to treat and filter the “first flush” following rain events, bioswales are a functional alternative to traditional grey-stormwater infrastructure such as storm sewers. They are great at slowing the velocity of the stormwater, which in turn means more time for pollutants to be filtered out.

wildflowers in bioswales

Use Bioswales to Slow the Flow

You can slow stormwater and prevent floods with rain-friendly landscaping.
bioswales trenches

Build and Maintain a Bioswale

Bioswale trenches are filled with porous materials and vegetation to reduce runoff.
bioswale flowers and plants

Explore an Illinois Bioswale

See the plans for a forest preserve district of Cook County/Illinois Tollway solution.