If you live in Palm Coast, the grassy ditch in front of your house is doing important work. It’s a swale, and it’s the first step in the city’s drainage system.
What swales do
The Observer explained in May 2026 that swales collect stormwater in front of homes and are designed to hold water. From there, the water moves into 177 miles of city ditches and then 58 miles of canals. When swales are clogged or graded wrong, water backs up into yards, driveways and sometimes garages.
The backlog, cut by two-thirds
According to the Observer, Palm Coast had 1,058 open swale maintenance work orders in October 2024. By May 2026, that number was down to 341, with no remaining orders older than 2022. Crews cleared 55 miles of swales in fiscal year 2025, a record, and were on track to beat a 60-mile goal in 2026. New trenching machines more than doubled how much crews could maintain each month.
Lynn Stevens, the city’s stormwater and engineering deputy director, said staff had completed over 55 miles of swales, “more than ever.”
Requesting swale maintenance
According to the Observer, the city asks residents to wait at least 5 days after rain before requesting swale maintenance, since swales are designed to hold water for a time. More information is on the city’s stormwater page.
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Questions and answers
What is a swale in Palm Coast?
A grassy drainage channel in front of homes that collects stormwater and feeds the city’s ditches and canals.
How long does the city ask residents to wait before requesting swale maintenance?
The city asks residents to wait at least 5 days after rainfall, according to the Observer.
How much has the backlog dropped?
From 1,058 open work orders in October 2024 to 341 in May 2026.
This article is general information drawn from the sources listed below. It is not professional, legal, insurance or restoration advice. DIY-DRY is an equipment rental company.
Sources
- The Observer, “Palm Coast swale maintenance crew on track to clear backlog of cases, exceed maintenance goal”, May 12, 2026 – observerlocalnews.com
- City of Palm Coast, “Stormwater” – palmcoast.gov