What is a ditch swale?
What is a ditch swale?
A swale is like a ditch but it’s broad and shallow, and usually covered or lined with turfgrass or other vegetation. The purpose is to slow and control the flow of water to prevent flooding, puddling, and erosion and/or avoid overwhelming the storm drain system.
What is considered a swale?
A swale is a shady spot, or a sunken or marshy place. In particular, in US usage, it is a shallow channel with gently sloping sides. Artificial swales are often infiltration basins, designed to manage water runoff, filter pollutants, and increase rainwater infiltration – green instances are the subterm bioswales.
What is the difference between a swale and a channel?
Drainage Channels versus Water Quality Swales The distinction between drainage channels and water quality swales lies in the design and planned use of the open channel conveyance. Drainage channels are designed to have sufficient capacity to convey runoff safely during large storm events without causing erosion.
What is the function of a swale?
The swale is vegetated with flood tolerant, erosion resistant plants. The design of grassed swales promotes the conveyance of storm water at a slower, controlled rate and acts as a filter medium removing pollutants and allowing stormwater infiltration.
How much does a swale cost?
Generally speaking, Vegetated Swales cost between $4.50 and $8.50 per linear foot when vegetated from seed, and $15 to $20 per linear foot when vegetated from sod.
What is a swale and how does it work?
A swale is a small channel that conveys water from one point to another. When planted with grasses or native vegetation, swales can be positioned to collect stormwater from driveways and other hard surfaces such as roofs. Swales help to reduce the amount of stormwater entering our rivers and creeks.
How wide does a swale need to be?
approximately 1m wide
The dimensions of a swale should be approximately 1m wide x 150mm deep, shaped in a trapezoidal or triangle formation. A swale can be any length provided you can maintain a slope away from the downpipe without the swale becoming too deep. › Once you have determined the location and shape of the swale.
How do you maintain a swale?
- SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE ACTIONS.
- MONTHLY.
- • Inspect your swale during and after storms to make sure that rainwa- ter has drained and there is no erosion. •
- SEASONALLY.
- • Mow grass no shorter than 3 to 6 inches. Remove and compost all grass clippings.
- AS NEEDED.
- • Reseed bare areas to avoid erosion.
- DO NOT:
When should you not use swales?
Swales are not appropriate on steep landscapes. Any area with more than a fifteen-degree slope (about 1:3.75) isn’t appropriate for installing swales, as the water saturation may cause slides, which could be dangerous.