Swales

Swales allow for temporary ponding or channeling water to storm drains, resulting in less street flooding, and also reduces the pollution of water bodies by filtering the runoff before it reaches a drain. Click here for some more background information on what swales are.

Swale restoration is a very effective resource for mitigating flooding during smaller floods. Restoring swales helps to collect, convey, and infiltrate stormwater in order to reduce the impacts of flooding. Swales are property owned by the city, however the city relies on property owners to maintain the swale area in front of their property for these systems to work effectively. Additionally, if residents are adding a new driveway to their homes, the city requires them to restore their swales in order to ensure that these important systems are maintained. 

Benefits of Maintaining your Swales:

  • Helps keep our drinking water supply and environment clean by acting as a natural filter to remove or reduce pollutants
  • Protects residents and neighbors’ homes after floods by minimizing flooding and providing a water to get water off the streets
  • Adds visual value to neighborhoods and helps maintain property value in residential communities
  • Provides a drainage area for stormwater to prevent it from pooling in the street or pushing debris into the drain system
  • Prevents erosion by holding our sandy soil in place

How to take care of your swale:

  • Minimize fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides use in your swale area
  • Do not pave, fill, or develop over your swale area
  • Clear out excess garden waste, trees, and branches from your swale
  • Keep your swale mowed to promote healthy grass growth
  • Refrain from parking vehicles on your swale since it compacts the soil and makes it more difficult to absorb excess flooding