Swales

Swales are the broad shallow channels along, roads, driveways, and parking lots and plays a key role for the City’s Stormwater drainage system.

The three functions of a swale are:

To collect runoff from the roadway and properties

Direct water to an outfall (ditch or canal)

Retain runoff for percolation and recharge of the aquifer.

Swale Maintenance
The Palm Coast Stormwater & Engineering Department performs ongoing maintenance to regrade swales each year to keep them operating properly. It is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain their swale and driveway culvert under Municipal Code 24-159. It is important that regular swale maintenance be performed by property owners in order to minimize flooding. Some standing water in a swale is expected.
Swales Maintenance Map

Swale Related Issues

Concern/ Question

If you have any questions or concerns about swales, create a case and we will answer them as soon as possible.

Concern/Question

Property Issues

Create a case for Property damage, asphalt damage, or if site corrections are needed.

Create a Property Case

Drainage Issues

Create a case if you are having drainage issues. This includes miscellaneous drainage issues.

Create a Drainage Issue Case

Here are some simple, yet significant, steps the property owner should follow for routine swale maintenance:


DO

  • Mow and maintain an acceptable grass height in the swale. Tall grass slows water movement.
  • Keep driveway culvert ends open by removing debris, grass and dirt. You should blow grass clippings back onto the grass or landscaped areas.
  • Repair erosion from along the sides and under your driveway.
  • Remove sediment or anything that has built up in the bottom of the swale that could potentially block the flow of water such as trash, leaves, limbs and grass.
  • Minimize the use of fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides within 50 feet of a swale.
  • Install Plants / landscaping 15-20 feet from the road.

DO NOT

  • Fill in your swale or install a drain pipe from property line to property line.
  • Have roof drains running onto the driveway or into the right of way.
  • Use an edger along the sides of your driveway.
  • Park on or drive across your swale as cars and the tire tracks they leave behind can block the flow of water.