Similar to [[swales]], biofilters, [[enhanced swales|enhanced grassed swales]], and [[bioretention]], bioswales are long [[vegetation|vegetated]] open channels trapezoidal channels which are designed to:
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*Treat;
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*Convey
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*Infiltrate; and,
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*Attenuate
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stormwater runoff. Similar to roadside ditches, they are predominately used to help direct large stormwater flow volume from a large catchment area (i.e., road, parking lot, property) to a connected discharge point (i.e. [[overflow|overflow outlet]] connected to the municipal storm sewer system, or to another LID BMP). Bioswales with the optional use of [[check dams]] can also slow and clean suspended sediments along the practice's sloped channel, while also allowing water to infiltrate through the system to an associated [[underdrain]] system below.
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There are several design variations of the bioswales, which include:
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[[Dry swales]]
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[[Enhanced swales]]
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[[Grass swales]]
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[[Retention swales]]
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Bioswale [[vegetation]] is generally lawn [[grasses]], but there are numerous variations that include: [[perennials]], [[shrubs]], small [[trees]] and various plants or [[river rock] that allow the practice to still effectively infiltrate and convey incoming stormwater runoff.
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Take a look at the downloadable Enhanced Grass Swales Factsheet, which includes details about [[bioswales]] below for a .pdf overview of this LID Best Management Practice: