Explained: What are storm drains?

A storm drainage system is a system of pipes, collectors and complementary facilities that collect runoff water from pluvial precipitations that allow its collection for its discharge and thus, avoid material and human damage.

What is storm drains?

Storm drains are underground structures designed to collect and convey stormwater runoff from streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and other surfaces that do not absorb water. Storm drains are a critical part of a community's infrastructure as they help prevent flooding and minimize the damage caused by heavy rainstorms.

Catch basins are the most visible part of a storm drain system and are typically located at the edge of a road or sidewalk. They are designed to collect stormwater runoff and direct it into the storm drain system through a series of pipes and culverts. Catch basins usually have a grate on top to prevent large debris from entering the storm drain system and causing blockages.

The storm drain system transports stormwater to a discharge point, such as a river, lake, or ocean. Stormwater that is discharged into these bodies of water is not treated and can contain pollutants such as oil, grease, and sediment.

To prevent this pollution, stormwater management plans include best management practices that aim to reduce the amount of pollutants that enter the storm drain system. These practices can include street sweeping, bioretention areas, and the use of the permeable pavement.

In addition to preventing flooding and reducing pollution, storm drain systems can also help recharge groundwater resources. When stormwater infiltrates into the ground, it can replenish underground aquifers that are used for drinking water and irrigation.

Maintaining

Maintaining and repairing storm drain systems is important to ensure their continued effectiveness in managing stormwater runoff.

Blockages in the system can cause localized flooding, and broken pipes can lead to sinkholes and other hazards.

Communities typically have a stormwater management plan that includes regular maintenance and inspection of storm drain systems.

Importance

Storm drains are a crucial part of a community's infrastructure, playing a vital role in managing stormwater runoff and preventing flooding, pollution, and infrastructure damage.

During heavy rainstorms, stormwater runoff can quickly accumulate and cause flooding in streets, parking lots, and other low-lying areas.

This excess water can cause significant damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, disrupting daily life and posing a threat to public safety. Storm drains help to collect and transport this excess water away from these areas and into discharge points, such as rivers or oceans, thereby preventing flooding.

• Flood Prevention: One of the primary functions of storm drains is to prevent flooding. During heavy rainstorms, stormwater runoff can quickly accumulate and cause flooding in streets, parking lots, and other low-lying areas. Storm drains help to collect and transport this excess water away from these areas and into discharge points, such as rivers or oceans.

• Pollution Reduction: Stormwater runoff can contain pollutants such as oil, grease, sediment, and other contaminants. When this water is discharged into nearby bodies of water, it can cause environmental damage and harm aquatic life. Storm drains are designed to capture and convey stormwater runoff to a discharge point without allowing pollutants to enter the waterway.

• Groundwater Recharge: Stormwater runoff can also help recharge groundwater resources when it infiltrates into the ground. This is important for maintaining underground aquifers, which are often used as sources of drinking water and irrigation.

• Infrastructure Protection: Excessive stormwater runoff can also cause damage to infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Drains help to manage this excess water and prevent damage to the community's infrastructure.

Keep Reading

• Is India a climate leader as claimed globally?
• Pros and cons of solar-based power generation
• A repeat of last year, India to witness another wheat crisis?

Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected].