Commercial Swales & Bioswales

Surface Drainage Systems That Manage Runoff and Improve Water Quality

Swales and bioswales are more than just ditches—they’re engineered surface drainage systems that control runoff, reduce flooding, and filter stormwater before it enters municipal systems or natural waterways. At Diversified Drainage, we design and install functional, code-compliant swales and bioswales that integrate with your site’s overall drainage plan—whether you’re managing flow across a commercial lot or meeting stormwater quality requirements for new development.


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About the Service: Swales & Bioswales for Commercial Sites

Swales and bioswales are graded channels that manage shallow surface water flow. They’re commonly used along parking lots, roadways, and landscaped areas to intercept sheet flow, slow it down, and direct it to storm drains or retention areas.

Swales

  • Typically grass-lined or gravel-lined
  • Designed for flow control, not water treatment
  • Direct runoff to drains or ponds
  • Ideal for parking lots, drive lanes, and perimeter drainage

Bioswales

  • Include native plants, engineered soil, and filter media
  • Treat water by removing sediment, oil, and nutrients
  • Often used in LEED or LID projects
  • Help meet stormwater water quality requirements

Our Services Include:

  • Grading & Channel Design
    We shape swales to control flow velocity, prevent erosion, and meet site-specific drainage needs.
  • Soil & Vegetation Specification
    For bioswales, we source engineered soil mixes and install native vegetation selected for water uptake and filtration.
  • Inlet & Overflow Integration
    Tie swales and bioswales into catch basins, curb inlets, and detention ponds to complete your stormwater system.
  • Erosion Control Installation
    Apply sod, hydroseed, or erosion control blankets to stabilize swales and prevent washouts during establishment.
  • Compliance with BMP / NPDES Standards
    Design solutions that help meet stormwater permits and low-impact development goals.
Commercial Drainage Benefits

Why Use Swales or Bioswales?

Control Surface Runoff - Manage flow across paved areas, slopes, or open spaces.
Reduce Erosion - Slow water velocity and protect surrounding infrastructure and landscaping.
Improve Water Quality - Filter out sediments, oils, and pollutants before water enters the storm system.
Support Green Infrastructure Goals - Ideal for projects pursuing LEED, LID, or sustainable site certifications.
Cost-Effective & Low Maintenance - Compared to piped systems, swales are affordable, scalable, and easy to maintain.
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Built for Minnesota Sites

We design swales and bioswales that hold up under:
Spring snowmelt and intense summer rainfall
Minnesota’s freeze/thaw cycles
Large paved areas with fast runoff
Heavy clay or low-infiltration soils
Commercial and municipal stormwater regulations

Who We Serve

We install commercial swales and bioswales for:
Office & retail developments
Municipal roadway & boulevard projects
Apartment & multi-family sites
Multi-family housing developments
Schools, campuses, and public institutions
New commercial construction and stormwater retrofits

Why Choose Diversified Drainage? 

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25+ Years of Experience

With over two decades of hands-on experience, we’ve seen—and solved—every kind of drainage issue for both homes and commercial properties.

Fully Licensed & Insured

Our team is fully licensed, insured, and qualified to work on residential neighborhoods, large-scale commercial sites, and everything in between.

Local Expertise

As a Plymouth-based company, we understand the soil, slope, and drainage challenges unique to Minnesota properties.

Effective Solution Design

We provide high-quality drainage systems that are both cost-effective and built to perform season after season.

Customer-first Service

From homeowners to property managers, we prioritize clear communication, honest recommendations, and long-term results.

Ready to Build Surface Drainage That Works?

Whether you're solving runoff issues or designing a compliant stormwater system, Diversified Drainage builds swales and bioswales that perform and last.
(763) 443-0575
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Commercial Drainage FAQs

Proper stormwater management starts with the right system—and a clear understanding of how it works. Explore these FAQs to learn more about commercial drainage.

What’s the difference between a swale and a bioswale?

A swale is a shallow ditch that moves water. A bioswale adds vegetation and filter media to treat that water before it exits the site.

Where are swales most effective on commercial sites?

Along parking lots, between structures and sidewalks, and anywhere sheet flow needs to be captured and redirected without piping.

Do bioswales require special permits?

In many cases, yes—especially if they’re being used to satisfy stormwater quality requirements. We design systems that meet local standards.

How much maintenance do bioswales need?

Less than you might think—routine inspection, seasonal trimming, and sediment removal are usually sufficient to keep them functioning.