Choosing The Best Stormwater Management Solutions

With climate change, increased instances of storms and heavy rainfall pose a major challenge for people. Accumulation of stormwater in places due to inadequate or breakdown of infrastructure can create a hazard for life and property. If channelled correctly, stormwater can be harvested and managed to prevent flooding and serve the needs for non-drinking purposes. This can be accomplished using stormwater management systems which can handle the high volumes of water. When choosing a stormwater management system, here is how to choose the right ones:

1. Determine the type you want: The choice of stormwater management systems must be made only after determining the purpose of installing one. There are different types which include rainwater collection systems, permeable pavements, retention ponds, as well as green roofs or gardens.

2. Consider the design of the building: Depending on whether the roof of the building is flat or sloped, or edged with a parapet, different types of stormwater management solutions will need to be installed. In sloped roofs, installation may be done without the need for overhead pipes as the stormwater may be accumulated through the action of gravity, while for flat roofs, siphonic drainage systems may be installed. The pipes for stormwater management must be chosen distinct from the drainage system to ensure optimal efficiency.

3. The use of the collected water: Where and how you intend to use the stormwater collected in the stormwater management system will also determine its choice. Basic systems only allow for the water to be collected and harvested into a large tank or reservoir using drain pipe and connector systems from where it may be used for gardening and landscaping. More advanced systems may also treat the water and make it fit for use in bathrooms and for cleaning purposes while further treatment may make the water fit for consumption as well.

4. Location of water tank: Whether the water tank or reservoir of the system will be placed overground, or underground will also be a factor in the choice of the stormwater management system. While it may be possible to install underground tanks in new constructions or buildings with basements, for other constructions overground tanks may be more suitable.

Choose the most suitable stormwater management solutions from Wavin, the leading global manufacturer of sustainable water supply and management technology and services