The ditch is more than likely part of a regulated surface water management system. Prior to any ditch filling activities, a permit will be required. In most cases enclosing a ditch with a pipe will be prohibited per Collier County Ordinance No. 2003-58. Ditches and swales form a system of temporary stormwater storage. Most often a proposed ditch enclosure will result in a net loss of water storage volume, as the volume of the proposed pipe will be significantly less than the volume of the existing ditch. Loss of system volume can cause stormwater to back-up resulting in flooding of the surrounding area. Ditches and swales holding stormwater runoff provide several valuable functions. Upon collection, as water temporarily “sits” in the ditch, sunlight provides energy to the natural biological system present. Microscopic organisms begin the water purification process before gravity begins water’s slow movement downward into the soil. Once the downward movement (percolation) begins, stormwater runoff held in a ditch is further purified by traveling through soil layers as it makes its way back to the underground aquifer, one of natures finest water storage areas. This recharge of the aquifer ultimately supplies Collier County residents with drinking water.
