What’s Storm Drainage?

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Stormwater drainage is the process of draining excess water from streets, sidewalks, roofs, buildings, and other areas. The systems used to drain stormwater are often referred to as storm drains, but are also called storm drains and storm drains. Sometimes people confuse stormwater drainage systems with sanitation sewers, but often manholes work separately from sewage systems created for sanitation purposes.

Rainwater accumulates due to precipitation, such as rain, snow and sleet. Some of this water soaks into the soil, but without proper drainage, excess water can build up and present dangers to both people and physical property. For example, excess water can cause flooding, create unsafe conditions for humans and animals, and damage cars and buildings. Additionally, bacteria can accumulate and grow in water that has been left standing for an extended period of time, posing a health risk.

Many cities and towns have carefully planned stormwater drainage systems that consist of inlets, outlets, and pipes. Manhole entrances are often covered with protective grates which help ensure that large items do not fall out while water can enter freely. Since it is important that large quantities of water flow down these drains, the grate bars should be spaced apart. This concession means that some smaller items fall into the sewer.

Once water enters the storm drain, it usually flows into a catch basin, which catches small items before the water continues its journey into the sewer. Next, the pipeline comes into play. Storm drainage systems can have different types of pipes. Some may be rectangular in shape while others are circular or oval. The materials can also differ, with some systems using concrete or metal while others use plastic. Additionally, some drainage pipes have mechanisms to capture debris, such as pollutant traps.

Stormwater drainage systems maintained by cities and towns usually drain to a single point and the drain tends to be quite large and covered by another grate. Often these systems discharge into lakes, rivers or reservoirs. In some cases, they may drain into a channel or the ocean instead.

While necessary, stormwater drainage can have a significant impact on the environment. Unfortunately, toxic substances, such as lawn fertilizers, cigarette butts, motor oil, pesticides, and other chemicals often wash into stormwater drainage systems. These chemicals lead to polluted water ending up in lakes, streams, rivers, oceans and other bodies of water, where it proves unhealthy for fish, plants and other aquatic life, even killing them. In turn, humans and animals can become ill from eating the contaminated fish.

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