A: Vegetation is allowed within the system to help reduce the pollutants that are in the stormwater runoff from reaching the downstream waterway. This vegetation also stabilizes the banks and provides habitat for wildlife which in turn provides for a healthy environment. The best stormwater system is a natural one which requires less maintenance. There will always be a need for maintenance and as the area grows the level of maintenance will increase.

A: Ditches are either man-made or natural areas shaped to allow water to be quickly absorbed into the ground or to allow the water to flow to other waterways. As in a shallow ditch, a ditch promotes water absorption through soils, hold water during and immediately after a storm, and hey are open systems, flowing into other water bodies. Because these systems were designed to mimic natural processes, individuals may have stormwater systems on or near their property without realizing it. What appears to be a natural indentation in the back yard may have been designed as a stormwater ditch. What looks like a wild patch of shrubbery may be an important vegetative buffer around a ditch.

A: The finished floor elevation of houses in Palm Coast are required to be at least 12 inches above the crown of the road and are typically 16 or 18 inches above. The elevation is determined by the street in front of the house, not neighboring houses. Positive fall toward the front of a property will cause stormwater that falls on that property to drain to the front. All lot grading plans must show positive fall from the rear to the front of the property. There is a final survey that is reviewed prior to a certificate of occupancy being issued by the City. This review must show positive fall toward the front.

A: Water can remain in a swale up to 72 hours after a storm, however, it may remain longer during heavy periods of rain.

A: Yes, the swale system was specifically designed to hold water. This prevents roadways and homes from flooding.

A: Swales are normally "maintained" every six (6) months. As long as water is flowing or emptying from the swales in a timely manner, there should be no need for maintenance.

A: Flagler County Mosquito Control can be reached at (386) 445-4135 for an extra spraying.

A: Over time, the swale system collects sediment and builds "high points" where water can no longer flow freely through the swale system. Maintenance is often needed at these locations. Also, sediment often collects in driveway culvert pipes which impedes the flow of water. A machine called the Vactron is used to clean sediment from the pipes.

A: The City discourages residents from this digging out their own swale. The swale system in many areas of the City functions at a grade of one inch for every 80 feet. The City has the necessary survey equipment to obtain exact slope variations and the machinery to ensure that the swale system is graded at the proper levels throughout the whole system.

A: Please contact our Customer Service Department at 386-986-2360.