Sebastian Swale Maintenance: Tips for Residents

Sebastian residents can help maintain the city’s swales, vital areas designed to manage storm water runoff. The city offers practical tips for property owners to support this environmental effort.

Swales catch, hold, and filter storm water, preventing pollutants from reaching local waterways. They slow runoff, allowing water to pond and sediment to settle, which is essential for Sebastian's water quality.

Residents can help swales function effectively by following these guidelines:

• Allow water to pond in the swale; it may take up to 72 hours to drain naturally.
• Mow grass every other time you cut your lawn to promote healthy growth.
• Remove leaves, grass clippings, and garbage from swales.
• Minimize chemical use, as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides can harm groundwater.
• Avoid parking on grass or soil to prevent soil compaction and increased runoff.
• Occasionally dig out swales to restore their original shape.

Storm water forms when natural land becomes impervious surfaces like roads and buildings, preventing rainwater absorption. This runoff collects sediment and pollutants.

Swales are a common storm water management tool. After filtering, cleaner surface water spills over the berm into storm water ponds or ditches before reaching local water bodies.

For storm water management questions, call the Citizen Request Line at (772) 581-0111. The Public Works department is at 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958.