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[[Enhanced swales]] are gently sloping vegetated open channels featuring a parabolic or trapezoidal cross-section and check dams, designed to convey and treat stormwater runoff (i.e., rainwater or snowmelt from roofs or pavements). The [[grading]], [[Check dams]] and [[vegetation]] spreads out and slows down the flow of water, allowing suspended sediment and floatables (e.g., trash, natural debris, oil and grease) to settle out. A portion of the flowing water soaks into the soil and replenishes groundwater or is taken up by plant roots and evaporated back to the atmosphere. Runoff water is delivered to the practice through [[inlets]] such as [[curb cuts]], [[Curb cuts: Gallery|spillways]] or other concrete structures, sheet flow from pavement edges, or [[pipes]] connected to [[Pretreatment|catchbasins]] or [[Downspout disconnection|roof downspouts]]. The [[Plant lists|planting bed]] and side [[slopes]] are typically covered with [[grasses]] or a mixture of flood tolerant, [[erosion]] resistant [[vegetation]] and [[stone]]. They do not feature [[filter media]] soil and [[underdrains|sub-drains]] like [[bioretention]] or [[bioswales]] do. Water not ponded behind check dams or absorbed by the planting bed is conveyed to an adjacent drainage system (e.g., municipal storm sewer or other BMP) at the lowest downstream point by an [[Overflow|outlet structure]] (e.g., ditch inlet catchbasin, culvert). Key components of this feature are described in further detail below. <br>
[[Enhanced swales]] are gently sloping vegetated open channels featuring a parabolic or trapezoidal cross-section and check dams, designed to convey and treat stormwater runoff (i.e., rainwater or snowmelt from roofs or pavements). The [[grading]], [[Check dams]] and [[vegetation]] spreads out and slows down the flow of water, allowing suspended sediment and floatables (e.g., trash, natural debris, oil and grease) to settle out. A portion of the flowing water soaks into the soil and replenishes groundwater or is taken up by plant roots and evaporated back to the atmosphere. Runoff water is delivered to the practice through [[inlets]] such as [[curb cuts]], [[Curb cuts: Gallery|spillways]] or other concrete structures, sheet flow from pavement edges, or [[pipes]] connected to [[Pretreatment|catchbasins]] or [[Downspout disconnection|roof downspouts]]. The [[Plant lists|planting bed]] and side [[slopes]] are typically covered with [[grasses]] or a mixture of flood tolerant, [[erosion]] resistant [[vegetation]] and [[stone]]. They do not feature [[filter media]] soil and [[underdrains|sub-drains]] like [[bioretention]] or [[bioswales]] do. Water not ponded behind check dams or absorbed by the planting bed is conveyed to an adjacent drainage system (e.g., municipal storm sewer or other BMP) at the lowest downstream point by an [[Overflow|outlet structure]] (e.g., ditch inlet catchbasin, culvert). Key components of this feature are described in further detail below. <br>
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Properly functioning enhanced swales reduce the quantity of pollutants and runoff being discharged to municipal storm sewers and receiving waters (i.e., rivers, lakes and wetlands). In addition to their SWM benefits, enhanced swales provide aesthetic value as attractive landscaped features.
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{{textbox|Key components of [[bioretention]]/[[bioswales]] to pay close attention to are the:  
{{textbox|Key components of [[bioretention]]/[[bioswales]] to pay close attention to are the:  
*[[Inlets]]
*[[Inlets]]
*[[Filter media|Filter bed surface]]
*[[Turf|Vegetated Slopes]]
*[[Enhanced swales: Specifications|Slope & Channel Design]]
*[[Overflow|Overflow outlets]]}}
*[[Overflow|Overflow outlets]]}}
Trash, debris and sediment builds up at these locations and can prevent water from flowing into or out of the practice.
Trash, debris and sediment builds up at these locations and can prevent water from flowing into or out of the practice.

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