Swales definition
To help develop this article, click ‘Edit this article’ above.
Approved Document H - Drainage and Waste Disposal, describes ‘swales’ as:
‘…grass-lined channels which transport rainwater from a site as well as controlling flow and quality of surface runoff. Some of the flow infiltrates into the ground. There may be an overflow at the end into another form of infiltration device or a watercourse. They are particularly suitable for treatment of runoff from small residential developments, parking areas and roads.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Are sustainable urban drainage systems the response to our changing climate?
- Barking Riverside development landscape.
- Bund.
- Catchment flood management plans.
- Culvert.
- Detention pond.
- Drainage.
- Rainwater harvesting.
- River engineering.
- Safe working in drains and sewers.
- Soakaway.
- SuDS infographic.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems SUDS.
- Water Act 2014.
- Water consumption.
- Water engineering.
Featured articles and news
When is there a right to light, and what happens if it is obstructed?
Infrastructure nationalisation
What would the nationalisation of economic infrastructure mean for GB?
A new guide to improving value by reducing design error.
We've reached 80,000 page views a day and 10,000 registered users. Why not join them?
A masterplan is a framework within which a location is encouraged to develop or change. Read our introductory article.
New consultation announced on a specialist Housing Court to settle landlord-tenant disputes.
Inclusive cities and transport
ICE responds to a transport consultation advising the government to make decisions enabling more inclusive cities.
BRE and Loughborough University complete first phase refurbishment of demonstration home.
How the risk of collapse of fibrous plaster ceilings is being addressed in theatres.
We’re looking for a full-time Editor
If you’re a great writer and have practical experience of the construction industry, it could be you.
Frustrated by long documents or technical jargon? Put off by sign-up forms or costs? Take this 5 min survey to help improve construction knowledge.