Survey Contour Lines and Watershed Area
1 dayUse A-frame or laser level to mark contour; calculate catchment area above each swale.
Intermediate1-2 weeks
Swale Water Harvesting Guide
Complete guide for swale water harvesting — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
water harvestersdryland farmers
Workflow
Calculate Swale Depth, Width, and Spacing
2 hoursSize swale volume to hold 25 mm rainfall event; space swales at 3–5 m vertical interval.
Excavate Swales and Build Berms
2-3 daysDig swale trench on contour; place excavated soil on downhill berm; compact spillway.
Plant Berm and Monitor Infiltration
1 dayPlant trees on berm, water-loving species in swale base; monitor infiltration after first rain.
Tools Used
- Swale Depth CalculatorPrimary
Calculate swale trench depth and berm height for target water storage volume on contour.
- Rain Garden SizingPrimary
Size swale and rain garden catchment area to handle design storm rainfall event.
- Mulch Depth CoverageSupporting
Calculate mulch volume needed to cover swale base and berm after planting.
- Time Duration CalculatorReference
Estimate excavation time based on swale length and soil type.
Checklist
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Survey
Design
Construction
Ecology
Monitoring
Reference Materials
Swale Dimensions by SlopeTable
Recommended swale sizing parameters.
| Slope % | Depth (m) | Width (m) | Spacing (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–5 | 0.3–0.5 | 0.6–1.0 | 20–30 |
| 5–10 | 0.4–0.6 | 0.8–1.2 | 15–25 |
| 10–15 | 0.5–0.8 | 1.0–1.5 | 10–20 |
Swale Volume FormulaFormula
Storage volume (L) = length (m) × width (m) × depth (m) × 1000 — design for 25 mm storm minimum.
Contour StandardStandard
Swale bottom must be level within ±5 cm over entire length — use bunyip or laser level.
Observe First
Watch water flow during a heavy rain before digging — nature shows you where swales belong.
Tree on Berm
Plant the most water-hungry trees directly on the berm — they intercept infiltrating water first.
Utility Check
Call 811 or local utility locate service before digging — swales cross buried lines.
Safety Notes
- Check for buried utilities before excavation — gas, water, and electrical lines are common on homesteads.
- Unstable berm slopes above 45° can collapse — bench steep sections and plant immediately to stabilize.