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Flood and pollution prevention ideas for Edgewood
The swale is the depressed and often grassy area between your street and your home. They require care on your part to help when tropical storms, hurricanes and the rainy season creates flooding.
Swales are designed to provide water quality treatment that will reduce pollution as well as control flooding during storm events. They collect rainwater, filter pollutants, control flooding, prevent erosion, and provide a drainage area for stormwater.
One of the major contributors to good stormwater management is a properly designed and functioning swale. A swale is a long narrow depression, which varies in depth from six inches to a few feet and is typically wider than it is deep. Often, they are located in the public right of way, between the sidewalk and the edge of the road.
Check this list for ways to boost your yard’s health:
- Mow and maintain swale areas to promote healthy grass growth.
- Minimize the use of lawn and garden chemicals.
- Avoid over watering the swale area. If water is standing in the swale when it has not rained, reduce irrigation.
- Keep swales free of litter, branches, leaves and limbs so water can soak into the ground.
- Avoid parking cars on swales. This compacts the soil and prevents stormwater from soaking into the ground.
Learn more at City of Fort Lauderdale: www.fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-i-z/public-works/sustainability-division/stormwater-operations
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