Swale

A swale (also Swale Drain) is a low tract of land designed to capture/convey water runoff, filter pollutants and increase rainwater infiltration. At times, you may be required to clear your swale of larger sediments that are not able to be moved by the swale itself.

Prolonged periods of rainfall, excessive quantities of rain, or spring thaw conditions may cause ponding for short periods as the ground can only hold so much water at a time. It can sometimes take several days for swales to dry up after a rainfall because they are the last place on your lot to receive stormwater. If the ground is already oversaturated, then the swale cannot drain as quickly as if the ground were not oversaturated.

Newly formed swales may need a few years to settle before they can become most effective. Recently finished adjacent properties may also influence the function of your swale. Swales must be kept free of landscaping, interlock, debris, gardens, shrubs and sheds.

Swales are often located within an easement, which provides the Municipality the right to use or enter the property for inspection and/or maintenance purposes pertaining to stormwater management. In addition, inlets to a catch basin or catch basin itself may be located within the easement to capture water runoff from the swale and allow the water to drain into the underground storm sewer system slowly. Swales can receive water from several properties. The depth of the swale will vary. Please review your Lot Development Plan for the location of swales. Note, location of swales may change during construction.