Swale

A Swale (also Swale Drain) is a shallow channel lined with vegetation, usually grass, used to convey stormwater.

The objective of a swale is to minimise the use of piped stormwater draingage system, in accordance with Water Sensitive Urban Design. It also functions to slow down stormwater flows and remove coarse to medium sediments.

A swale is not suitable for very steep (>4%) or flat (<1%) terrain.

Related Pages

• Bioretention Swale
• Conveyance Swale
• Table Drain
• Water Sensitive Urban Design

Contributors

The following site members have contributed to this page:

• Wayne Eddy
• DDanielsson

External Links & References

1. Evaluating Options for Water Sensitive Urban Design A National Guide - Appendices Department of Environment
2. Construction and Establishment Guidelines: Swales, Bioretention Systems and Wetlands (Water by Design)
3. Swales including Buffer Strips (Gold Coast City Council)
4. Wikipedia
5. Google Search (Swale)
6. Google Search (Swale Drain)