How Storm Drainage Systems Help Prevent Flooding

Storm drainage systems are a vital factor in the design process of residential communities and commercial, industrial, institutional, and public works construction projects. These systems are designed by engineers and installed by experienced contractors. Storm drainage systems must be in compliance with Best Management Practices (BMP) that regulates storm water runoff. BMPs are in place to safeguard air quality, wildlife, and the environment. As more land becomes developed and covered by buildings, parking lots, and roads, the less ability there is to recapture rain water in a natural manner. Rain water is essential for feeding natural subsurface aquifers. For this reason, techniques have been developed to capture storm water runoff using a variety of drainage methods. These include: storm water drainage systems, storm water chambers, retention and detention ponds, porous paving, bioswales, and other methods that capture and recycle storm water. Bioswales help to increase water filtration while lessening surface water runoff. Excess water that runs off roofs and accumulates on parking lots and roadways is directed to the bioswales, which are also referred to as bio-retention basins. Bioswales are usually "U" shaped swales made to look like natural vegetation. By design, swales are slightly sloped to gradually drain water and allow it to filter and settle into the ground. This design aids in recapturing water and allowing it to settle into the earth instead of being carried to open bodies of water. Storm drainage systems integrate catchment devices that collect larger portions of debris and reduce the amount of discharged waste. These systems are essential for quickly removing storm water so that it does not cause flooding on streets and surface areas such as parking lots.

WATER * SEWER * FIRE LINE * STORM DRAIN * SUBSURFACE UTILITY ENGINEERING 1639 E. Miraloma Avenue * Placentia, CA 92870 * P (714) 986-1400 * F *714) 986-1416 www.KanaPipeline.com LIC 461487A

Detention storm water drainage systems collect and hold storm runoff so it can be released gradually. Excess water is directed toward the main system so there will be less of an impact when flow is at its peak. Detention systems offer protection against flooding while retention systems collect and hold excess water until it is absorbed by the ground in a natural manner to recharge the underground water table. The majority of retention storm water drainage systems are installed underground in places like parking lots and landscaped areas. Some systems are comprised of large pipes that hold water, while others are vaults manufactured from concrete with large filters installed. Storm water chamber systems are used in conjunction with filter fabric, rocks, and semicircle piping that allow water to naturally seep into the earth. In some instances, storm chamber systems can also be detention systems dependent on if an impermeable membrane liner is needed. Porous pavement is another kind storm drainage system that is manufactured from asphalt, pre-cast masonry pavers, cement concrete mix, or other combinations of concrete and rock. Porous pavement helps storm water runoff drain through the pavement where it is directed to subsurface holding tanks or allowed to naturally seep into the earth. If it weren't for storm drainage systems we could all end up living in wetlands. Fortunately, these systems, along with water and sewer pipeline infrastructures, keep the ground dry while recycling vital water elements for reuse.

WATER * SEWER * FIRE LINE * STORM DRAIN * SUBSURFACE UTILITY ENGINEERING 1639 E. Miraloma Avenue * Placentia, CA 92870 * P (714) 986-1400 * F *714) 986-1416 www.KanaPipeline.com LIC 461487A