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Inspiration Card
Nature Based Solution
Constructed Wetlands & Built Structures for Water Management

N15 Bioswale

Copyright
Bioswale, Eindhoven
QR Code for https://unalab.eu/en/node/179
Challenges
Climate Resilience Water Management Natural and Climate Hazards Biodiversity Enhancement Air Quality Health and Well-being Social Justice and Social Cohesion
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Description

A bioswale is a vegetated, linear and low-sloped structure often established in urban areas, near or between roads, with the objective to reduce flood risk during or after heavy rain events. Bioswales absorb, store and convey surface water runoff, and remove pollutants and sediments, as the water trickles through the layers. If properly planned and planted with deep-rooted native vegetation, a bioswale can both contribute to local storm water management and help support biodiversity.

Conditions for Implementation
  • A large enough area so that bioswales can be an effective part of the stormwater management system
  • Water collection system (e.g. from roofs and paved areas)
Similar Terminology
Swale
Grassed swale
Vegetated filter strip
Strip swale
Performance
    Cooling Service Transpiration ○ ○ ○
    Shading ○ ○ ○
    Evaporation ● ○ ○
    Building (Insulation) ○ ○ ○
    Reflection (Albedo) ○ ○ ○
    Surface Water Regulation Water Conveyance ● ○ ○
    Water Infiltration ● ● ○
    Water Retention ● ○ ○
    Water Storage ● ○ ○
    Water Reuse ○ ○ ○
    Water Purification Water Filtering ● ○ ○
    Water Bio-remediation ● ○ ○
    Air Purification and Noise Reduction Deposition ○ ○ ○
    Air Biofiltration ○ ○ ○
    Noise Reduction ○ ○ ○
    Biodiversity Habitat Provision ● ○ ○
    Connectivity ● ○ ○
    Socio-Cultural Services Beauty / Appearance ● ● ○
    Usability / Functionality ○ ○ ○
    Social Interaction ○ ○ ○
    Education ○ ○ ○
    Provisioning Service Food / Energy / Material ○ ○ ○
    Climate Regulation CO2 Sequestration ○ ○ ○