Swales are vegetated channels designed to manage stormwater, slow runoff, and improve water quality in urban environments. This factsheet outlines the key design principles to ensure swales function effectively while providing multiple benefits to the surrounding landscape.
It covers practical guidance on swale shape, size, slope, vegetation, and soil selection, helping designers and engineers optimise stormwater conveyance, infiltration, and pollutant removal. The resource also explains how swales can contribute to urban cooling, enhance local biodiversity, and integrate into streetscapes and open spaces.
By following these design principles, practitioners can create swales that not only meet technical stormwater requirements but also deliver environmental, social, and aesthetic outcomes. This factsheet is particularly useful for urban planners, landscape architects, engineers, and councils implementing water-sensitive urban design in residential, commercial, and public spaces.
