Swales And Drains On Your Property (i.e. Surface Drainage)
Please note that any drainage structures on a homeowner’s property such as swales or drains are the responsibility of that homeowner. In other words, if you have a concrete swale, culvert or drain on your property, you must make sure that it is clear of debris and free of any obstructions.  These structures/easements/rights of way are registered against title to the property.  Where completing development or landscaping, for example, Owners must be sure to grade property properly to ensure proper drainage per the City By-laws. That includes ensuring no retaining walls, terraces, gardens, play areas or sheds are constructed or placed within one (1) meter of either side of a swale or drain, and that any downspout end at least 2 meters away from any sidewalk, road, park, alley, lane or surface drainage facility. The two meter buffer zone allows some of the run-off to absorb into the ground before it enters the storm system. Please see the diagram below courtesy of the City of Calgary Water Services. A PDF created by the City of Calgary provides further clarification. A version of The City of Calgary document is available here.

Are you Landscaping or getting ready to Landscape?
Residents who have not yet landscaped their yards must take particular care that they are not allowing any of their top soil or other materials to enter the drainage facilities within Tanglewood. In particular, for yards that are not landscaped, a silt fence should be installed that will prevent materials from entering the concrete swales and associated drains. This will prevent residents at the bottom end of the swales and drains from having to deal with blockages associated with non-landscaped yards. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated. Residents engaged in landscaping are also asked to ensure that soil, wood bark, and other landscaping materials are not stored on the street during activities, but instead are placed on your driveways, covered by a tarp. This practice will reduce the amount of material that can be washed into sewers during seasonal rains. During rainstorms, the centerline of the street fills with fast moving runoff that washes debris directly into drainage wells.