I have read many articles and watched many videos on how to construct swales but I am still confused. Should the ditch begin where the contour begins (where the land starts to slope down) or should it be behind the low area to capture the water that flows into the low area? I think it is the former and that the berm on the other side will then absorb water that flows into it. If my low area is wide can I reduce the width by placing the berm closer to the contour line? Please help to clarify. Thanks.
