Building Bioswales in NW DC

Fort Reno Park is the highest elevation in DC making it a crucial area for rainwater management. Bioswales are an innovative solution that helps excess rainwater from non-permeable roads find a place to permeate into the ground. This can relieve flooding from combined sewer systems CFO’s (⅓ of DC sewer systems). As well, it can allow trees and native flowers to be planted, increasing biodiversity. The reason why managing rainwater is important in DC is the impact it has on downtown. On the National mall there are many museums with basements filled with priceless archives. From artwork, books, specimens, and more, so much history is stored below sea level. By diverting rainwater from CSO’s by using bioswales, flooding near the tidal basin will decrease causing less harm as climate change takes its toll on coastal cities.