Diversion
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Water Diversion
A long earthen embankment built across a slope to direct runoff water from a specific area.
Description
A diversion is often built near the top of a steep slope to intercept runoff and reduce erosion. It may be used to divert runoff flows away from a feedlot or to collect and direct water to a pond.
Benefits
- Reduces soil erosion on steep slopes by intercepting and preventing runoff water from reaching farmland or sensitive resources downslope.
- Vegetation in the diversion channel filters runoff water, improving water quality.
- Vegetation provides cover for small birds and animals.
- Allows better crop growth on bottomland soils.
Planning
- Are proper soil conservation measures installed to prevent the diversion from filling with sediment?
- Is the outlet planned in a location that will not cause erosion?
- Are the diversion and outlet large enough to handle runoff from the location?
Tech Notes
- Work with our office to establish this practice.
- Diversions must be built to carry at least the peak amount of runoff generated by a ten-year, 24-hour storm.
- Minimum top width for a diversion ridge is four feet.
- The diversion must have an outlet such as a grassed waterway, grade stabilization structure, or underground outlet.
- Establish vegetated outlets before the diversion is constructed.
- Diversions should not be built in high sediment-producing areas unless installed in conjunction with other conservation measures.
Maintenance
- Keep outlets clear of debris.
- Keep burrowing animals out of diversions.
- Maintain vegetative cover on the diversion ridge.
- Fertilize based on soil test results.
- Install filter strips above the diversion channel to trap sediment and protect the diversion.