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How to Drain a Swamp
How to Drain a Swamp. Draining a swamp is no easy task but can restore previously unusable land into useful much-needed space for farming or even building. Lowering the level of the land to such an extent is not without its fair share of problems and the best way to have success is by planning in advance and never cutting corners. Read on to learn...
Draining a swamp is no easy task but can restore previously unusable land into useful much-needed space for farming or even building. Lowering the level of the land to such an extent is not without its fair share of problems and the best way to have success is by planning in advance and never cutting corners. Read on to learn how to drain a swamp.
Things You'll Need
Power shovel.
Lengths of clay pipe.
Dig a large open ditch near to the swamp using a heavy-duty power shovel. The ditch will need to be at least 4 feet below the surface of the land to allow for drainage.
Make several smaller ditches of about 3 feet down that run between the swamp and your new open ditch, again using a power shovel or other similar equipment. These will be the foundation for the drainage channels and should slope downwards towards the new ditch, allowing water to run off.
Place lengths of clay pipe into the narrow ditches, making sure that the surface is smooth and that different sections overlap each other and won't cause a glut where the water is unable to pass. The amount of pipe that you will require will depend on the distances and size of the swamp.
Leave the joints of the pipe open so that the water will be able to drain, but check that there are no places where the earth can enter and cause blockages. If you have many leaves, be especially careful and if possible rake some off in advance, to prevent clogging.
Fill in the ditches and wait for the water to drain into the new ditch where you can then move or dispose of it in another location. Watch the water level sink and continually test that the water is able to pass freely.
Tips & Warnings
Make provisions in advance for any alligators or animals that are currently in the swamp.
Measure distances before to ensure that you have enough materials and always slightly overestimate to avoid running out.
Wear waterproof outerwear that can withstand mud splashing and secure your boots so nothing can get inside.
Draining can upset the natural habitat and threaten wildlife and plant systems.
