Swale Liner & Driveway Culverts

The City began to install plastic swale liners in the 1980s to improve conveyance in residential areas. The liners were installed to aid in moving water and maintaining a consistent grade. 

The City Council asked staff in 2021 to review whether plastic swale liners should continue to be used as part of the stormwater system. As a result of that evaluation, in November 2022 the Council approved discontinuation of the plastic swale liner program in favor of reworking swales across the City. 

Based on the results of the pilot program and the extensive research conducted, Public Works recommended at the Winter Workshop in February 2024 that the swale liner program be reimplemented. City Council deliberated on the staff's recommendation and voted unanimously to reimplement the swale liner program.

Meeting Videos

• Watch Item 5c from the City Council Meeting on 11/21/22.
• Watch Item 13b from the City Council Meeting on 2/13/23.
• Watch the Winter Workshop on 2/20/24.

A swale is designed to collect storm water and deliver runoff to canals and waterways before discharging to the river. It is not unusual for swales to hold water during and after frequent heavy rainstorms.

Did you know? 

• Swale maintenance is a homeowner’s responsibility. To aid in this, the City provides supplemental cleaning each year. 
• It is normal for water to be in the swale area, especially during and after rainy season (June-November). 
• No fertilizer containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus (phosphate) shall be applied to turf or landscape plants from June 1 to September 30 each year. Learn more about the fertilizer ordinance and proper usage.

Help ensure your swale area manages stormwater runoff efficiently:

• Keep swales and driveway culverts open and free of debris like rocks, grass, sediment, litter, branches, leaves and limbs so water can soak into the ground. Swales should be kept free of landscaping per City ordinance.
• Remove obstructions from the catch basins and swale such as toys, basketball goals, etc.
• Do not fill your swale or cause side slopes of your swale to erode.
• Do not drive or park vehicles on the swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.
• Mow and maintain your swale at an acceptable grass height. When conditions allow, mow following a rain event as it can create ruts in the bottom of the flow channel. 
• Do not overwater your yard. If water is standing in the swale when it has not rained, reduce irrigation. 
• Do not place sprinkler heads in the swale or over-irrigate the swale.
• Inspect your swale after storms to make sure that rainwater has drained and there is no erosion.

The City continues to prioritize water quality. The City has taken several steps to improve water quality with the septic to sewer conversion program and water quality projects such as the installation of baffle boxes and Stormwater Treatment Areas (STA) at McCarty Ranch and Sagamore. The City has water quality projects outlined in the Stormwater Management Master Plan. Upcoming projects include an STA at Hog Pen Slough and Baffle Boxes on Floresta Drive.

Learn more about the City's Water Quality Initiatives.

A swale is designed to collect storm water and deliver the runoff to canals and waterways prior to discharging to the river.

A plastic swale liner is placed at the bottom of the swale to remove stormwater through the system.

The City will continue to install and repair residential swales throughout the City and the swales will include swale liner.

New construction will require a plastic swale liner.Contractors working in Port St. Lucie can pick up the liner at Building #4, 450 SW Thornhill Drive, between 8-11 a.m. and 12-2:30 p.m.You must bring a copy of your approved plot plan (home survey) and completed stakeout for each address to the Thornhill warehouse for pick up. The copy must be stamped, approved, and signed by the Public Works Department.

Swale maintenance is a landowner's responsibility. Property owners are to maintain that portion of the street/road right-of-way from the edge of the pavement to the owner's property line. (Code Ordinance Sec. 41.08). The City will continue to perform supplemental maintenance to the level of service the residents currently have until further direction from the Council is in place.

We understand that the purpose of your request was to bring attention to the lack of the plastic liner within your swale. We will be reviewing each of these requests and utilize the information to help formulate the swale re-work program. Your request will be considered as part of the prioritization process as the City phases the swale re-work program.

• Don’t drive on the swale / keep vehicles off swales
• Keep the swale clean of debris and sediment
• Remove obstructions from the swale such as toys, basketball goals, etc.
• Minimize the use of fertilizers and maintain your lawn

It is normal for water to be in the swale area, especially during rainy season (May-November). Please allow seven days without further rainfall for the water to recede before submitting a request for service.

Outside of rainy season, most stormwater will recede within three days.