What is a water swale?

What is a water 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. Such a swale may be either natural or human-made.

When should you not use a swale?

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.

How do you collect runoff water?

Dig a trench. Use a shallow, gravel-filled trench to catch and slow runoff, especially at the base of a slope or alongside a driveway or patio. For slopes, consider creating a dry creek to catch, slow down and direct runoff, perhaps to a rain garden (see below).

What is a rock swale?

Rock-Lined Swale. ROCK-LINED SWALES OR DRY CREEK BEDS. Swales are shallow trenches in a landscape that capture rainwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and other hardened surfaces. They are designed to SLOW water down, SPREAD it out and allow it to SINK into the soil during small to moderate storms.

How effective is a swale?

California Experience These swales were generally effective in reducing the volume and mass of pollutants in runoff. Even in the areas where the annual rainfall was only about 10 inches/yr, the vegetation did not require additional irrigation.

Are swales effective?

Vegetated swales are most effective on soils that allow infiltration. If infiltration is desired, the underlying soil drainage rate should exceed 0.5 inches per hour. Amended topsoil can be installed to improve infiltration and retention of runoff.

How deep should swales be?

Six- to 12-inches deep
There are no hard rules about the size of a swale, but the bigger it is the more water it can absorb during a rainstorm. Six- to 12-inches deep and 3- to 4-feet wide are typical dimensions. Smooth out the shape of the berm with a hard metal rake to form a planting bed.

How do I redirect water flow in my yard?

1. Dig a Swale. A swale is a shallow trench that redirects water to where it can be safely released.
2. Construct a Dry Stream. Like swales, dry streams redirect water and prevent runoff damage.
3. Grow A Rain Garden.
4. Build a Berm.
5. Route Water Into a Dry Well.
6. Lay Pervious Paving.

How do you divert water runoff from home?

How To Divert Water From The Home

1. Clean Your Gutters. This task is both simple and free.
2. Extend Your Downspouts.
3. Create A Rain Garden.
4. Install A Rain Barrel.
5. Seal The Driveway.
6. Install A French Drain.
7. Improve The Grading.
8. Install A Sump Pump.

How do you make a permaculture swale?

The general idea behind digging the swale is that it should be about three-times as wide as it is deep, and the berm—the pile of excavated dirt—should be mounded to create the upper part of the bottom side of the swale. Make sure that the base of the swale is level so that the water disperses evenly.

What is the difference between a swale and a ditch?

To put it simply, a ditch is made to carry water away and a swale is made to collect and slowly release water into the landscape.