Bioswales

Bioswales are engineered, linear landscape features designed to convey, slow, filter, and infiltrate stormwater runoff while removing sediments, pollutants, and debris through natural biological processes. Unlike traditional drainage channels, bioswales are vegetated with deep-rooted, native plants that enhance water filtration, promote soil health, and provide ecological benefits. Typically constructed with a gentle slope and strategically layered with engineered soils, these green infrastructure elements can effectively reduce stormwater velocity, increase groundwater recharge, and mitigate flood risks in urban and agricultural landscapes. In regions like Salida's Central Valley, bioswales can be critical in managing agricultural and urban runoff, preventing erosion, and protecting water quality in sensitive ecosystems. These living systems not only serve a functional stormwater management purpose but also create habitat corridors for local wildlife, improve landscape aesthetics, and contribute to carbon sequestration. By mimicking natural hydrological processes, bioswales represent a sophisticated, multi-functional approach to water management that transforms stormwater from a potential hazard into a valuable resource for ecological restoration and community resilience.