May 28, 2020 By Katie Roundtree

Why do some yards flood after large quantities of rain?  The simple answer is, according to most approved drainage designs, some water is meant to be temporarily stored in public recreational areas, yard swales and streets.  The excess surface water slowly drains to community lakes or on-site ponds via street and yard drainage grates and/or swales, ditches and canals.  The more complex answer is that each yard is different.  Some yards have drainage swale areas. These are areas that are sloped to catch water and filter out pollutants as water is absorbed into the ground. Some yards direct water to the community drainage system as runoff with very little water retained in the yard.  It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with how your yard was built to determine how water drains from your home.