SWALES, BIOSWALES

Swales, or bioswales, are basically shallow ditches with a slight gradient, designed to filter and absorb water as it flows slowly downhill. This downhill flow is what distinguishes them from rain gardens, or bioretention. But in practice the difference is not always clear, and many projects include both. Swales are common; indexed here are projects in which they play a major role in efforts at low-impact development.

Alameda: Peet’s Coffee and Tea Roastery

Albany: UC Berkeley University Village

Antioch: West Rivertown II low-income housing

Castro Valley Library swales and creek

Clayton: Pine Hollow single-family homes
Concord: North Point Business Park
Swale & bike trail at Eleanor Murray Fallon School
Dublin: Big swales

Pleasanton: Single family homes

Emeryville: Glashaus condominiums

Fremont: Pacific Commons

Livermore: Canziani Park and Charlotte Ave.

Livermore: Charlotte area

Livermore: offices, industry

Livermore: Zone 7 offices’ swale
Oakland’s Lake Chalet

Oakland: Zhone Technologies

Pittsburg Marina


Pleasanton, Dublin: Homes

San Leandro: Alameda Co. Juv. Justice Ctr.


San Leandro: Business Center Pond

San Leandro Senior Center CourtyardSan Leandro Senior Center

San Pablo: St. Joseph Funeral Home
Rain garden colors harmonize with building color schemeSan Pablo: Shopping area at El Portal Drive and San Pablo Avenue
Narrow streets, limited parking, and swales on Paulson Lane, Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek: Paulson Lane urban infill