Swales

A key part of any sustainable school ground design, swales are an essential element of effective storm water management. A swale is a depression or low channel that runs through the ground, collecting and directing the flow of water. By using permeable materials to create the swale, and adding planting, it is possible to filter storm water runoff from areas such as parking lots and allow it to infiltrate back into the ground, rather than heading into the storm sewers in the surrounding neighbourhood. Incorporating swales also provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn lessons about sustainable practices.