Bioretention wells help filter stormwater runoff before it reaches the storm drain system.
Stormwater runoff can carry trash, oil, metals, sediment and other pollutants from streets and gutters into local waterways and the ocean. Bioretention wells use soil, plants, mulch and engineered filtration materials to help capture pollutants and reduce the amount of debris entering the storm drain system.
Most of a bioretention well is located below ground. Runoff enters through curb openings and flows into a concrete basin connected to the storm drain system.
Inside the well, filtration material, organic mulch, soil organisms and plant roots help trap litter and filter pollutants. Captured debris is removed through periodic maintenance.
Bioretention systems can help reduce pollutants commonly found in urban runoff, including:
Lakewood installed bioretention wells as part of street improvements on Paramount Boulevard. Above ground, the wells may look like landscaped curb areas with trees or plants. Below ground, they help filter runoff before it enters the storm drain system.
Projects like these support Lakewood’s stormwater pollution prevention efforts and help protect local waterways and the ocean.