Swales and managing storm water

Lot grading

• The slope and elevation of your property
• During construction, builders grade your lot in a way that allows water to flow away from your foundation and prevent flooding

Swale

• A shallow channel with gently sloping sides that can be natural or human created. It can be concrete or grass
• Often found along property lines and the side of some private property
• Carries stormwater runoff to the street or a catch basin

Catch basin/storm drain

• Metal grates along the road or greenspace that allow water to enter the storm system
• Collects stormwater runoff and directs it into an underground storm sewer
• Located at low points
• If water pools by the storm drain, give it 90 minutes to drain. The City has devices in the storm drains that allow the water to drain slowly and not overload the stormwater system

Culverts

• Usually open on both ends
• Allows water to pass under roads/driveways/pathways

DO

• Ensure downspouts are two metres away from swales – this allows the water to soak into your lawn and reduces flooding. It’s against Drainage Bylaw No. B-03/2014 to have your downspout located closer than two metres away from the swale. Check your real property report for the exact depth of the utility right of way around the swale.
• Ensure your swale is free of snow, ice and debris, such as yard waste, rocks or soil.
• If you notice that the catch basin is covered by snow, grass or other debris, clear the catch basin grate to help drainage.
• Ensure your fence is at least 150 mm (six inches) above the bottom of the swale to allow water to pass under it.

DON’T

• Don't direct your downspout into neighbouring window wells.
• Don't end your downspouts less than two metres away from your property line.
• Don't put planters in or on your swale. This prevents the swales from functioning and could cause overland flooding in neighbouring properties.
• Don't build structures (boardwalks, sheds, etc.) over swales. You need to have access to your swale to ensure it’s clear of debris at all times. Swales collect water from multiple properties, so it’s important not to obstruct it.
• Don't drain your hot tub/pools down the swales.
• Don't pour chemicals into swales.

When the ground absorbs water, soil can act like a sponge causing the underground “water table” (the depth at which soil spaces become completely saturated) to rise. Water seeps through the ground and eventually reaches the foundation of the home. Water enters your basement through cracks and holes in the home’s foundation.

Short-term preparation tips

• Ensure concrete swales, eavestroughs, gutters, downspouts and catch basins are kept free from debris and obstructions
• Report obstructed catch basins to the City
• Ensure that downspouts and rain barrel overflow lines are extended to direct water away from your foundation
• Position downspouts away from the house, at least six feet from your foundation
• Ensure your sump pump is working correctly
• Stay away from storm ponds, culverts, drainage features and banks of Nose Creek, as water levels and flow may fluctuate rapidly
• Do not use storm ponds for recreation
• Use caution and slow down on roadways with pooling water
• Clear snow away from your foundation and window wells
• Check your furnace and exhaust vents to ensure they are clear of ice and snow

Long-term preparation tips

• Slope areas next to the foundation away from your house
• Landscape to allow water to drain away from the foundation
• Waterproof cracks in your foundation walls and sidewalks

What is a sump pump? It is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting basin commonly found in your basement. It pushes water outside your home and drains onto your property.

Correct placement for your sump pump hose
Drain away from your home, onto a grassy area or permeable surface that way the water is absorbed. Water from the sump pump may be used to water grass, trees and shrubs found on your property.

Continue to move the hose so you do not over water one specific area.

Incorrect placement for your sump pump hose

• Onto lanes or streets
• Onto sidewalks or catch basins
• Floor drain in your home
• Neighbouring properties
• Stormwater ponds 
• Greenspaces or natural areas