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
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
San Pablo: St. Joseph Funeral Home
San Pablo: Shopping area at El Portal Drive and San Pablo Avenue
Walnut Creek: Paulson Lane urban infill