Water follows the slope down valleys called swales. Swales line our roads, and surround our homes. Swales lead run-off from rainfall to our streams, rivers, and sinkholes. When blocked by debris, water will flow to the side and drain in unexpected places. Sometimes yard debris gets tossed in the swale and water gets redirected into a yard or road. Other times the obstruction is a new development, built into the side of a hill. New drainage ditches and retention ponds are engineered, but water, especially in large rain events, will follow its own path.
Community resilience requires us to be mindful of swales and slopes. Developing on top of sloped areas with high run-off is at risk of natural disasters from flooding. Just because a development is approved does NOT mean that it is in the right location OR that the engineered drainage swales will support high rainfall events.
Water and its chosen paths deserves our highest respect. As we enter a time of dense population combined with extreme rain events, respecting swales and slopes becomes ever more important.
OSFR President Joanne Tremblay
joanne.tremblay@oursantaferiver.org
“Giving Our River A Voice”
