An innovative project by El Cerrito CA to cleanse storm water is being adopted by nearby cities. Water percolates through specially-prepared soil in rain gardens installed between sidewalks and roads before flowing into the Bay. The beds are 3 feet deep, 6-7 feet wide, and can be 100 feet lon. The cities are also building traps to capture garbage.
The beds contain special soil mixes and drought-resistant plants to absorb toxins from water that flows off rooftops, sidewalks and streets.