When is your swale not doing swell?
To the editor:
For the past few weeks we have had rainstorms with heavy rainfall. Most of the swales on Pine Island have filled up with water beyond their capacity. Swales are shallow ditches that are found between the road and your front yard. Since shallow ditches convey water by gravity flow, the purpose of a swale is to prevent private property from flooding and also to keep most of the water off the road. It is common to see shallow ditches with water within them.
So how can you tell, if you have a drainage problem? You measure the amount of water in your swale right after the rainfall has ended. After 24 to 36 hours later, you measure the amount of water swale in your shallow ditch again. Compare the two measurements and you should have a difference in the water level. The rule of thumb is that the water level in the swale should be less than 6 inches from your original water measurement 72 hours after the last rainfall.
Who do I contact, if I have a drainage problem? You can call the Department of Transportation at 239-533-9400 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
This is one of the ways to monitor our shallow dishes from drainage problems.
Cesar Sanchez
Bokeelia