Stormwater Management: Design Tips for Effective Stormwater Treatment Facility

December 2, 2022

Whenever the rain pours, the water is expected to run off surfaces in properties and land areas. However, if the surfaces are non-porous, stormwater may become a primary source of pollution, which can only be resolved by investing in stormwater treatment facilities.

You see, the path stormwater takes may already be filled with pollutants like pesticides, fertilisers, grease, antifreeze, oil, and heavy metals. And once the stormwater reaches the waterways, most if not all pollutants it has picked up can spread to these areas, affecting not only marine life but also nearby communities. 

Uncontrolled Stormwater Runoff Consequences

The lack of proper treatment of stormwater can lead to uncontrolled stormwater runoff. This runoff can cause floods, which can damage buildings, drain fields, and flood septic systems. It can also erode stream channels and other similar elements. The wildlife habitat is likewise affected as pure, uncontrolled stormwater streams and run off to the waterways. Water shortages are then expected as stormwater fails to reach the streams and wetlands.

Many issues can develop with uncontrolled stormwater runoff. Damages to public and private property, for instance, can happen due to flooding. The erosion of streambanks can then lead to the death of fish and aquatic animals and the clogging of sediment on waterways. Trash and debris may also fill waterways due to uncontrolled stormwater runoff.

Other consequences of uncontrolled stormwater runoff include impaired recreational uses, threatened public health and safety, and increased cost of water and wastewater treatment.

The Essence of Proper Stormwater Treatment

To avoid these things from happening, one should maximise the right stormwater treatment elements on their properties. Large buildings and structures, for instance, must integrate stormwater treatment elements that would allow their vicinities to be free from stormwater-related damages. These elements should also be present so that their properties can achieve Water Sensitive Urban Design measures.

Various types of stormwater treatment can be implemented on large buildings and structures. Some of these types are as follows.

• Rainwater Tanks: Rainwater tanks can be integrated into buildings and structures so they can capture stormwater running off their roof and other property areas. The collected water can then be used for watering gardens, toilet flushing, and other tasks that would need water. The tanks used by large buildings and structures should boast a size depending on the number of occupants inside these properties.

• Ponds: Ponds can also be used as a stormwater treatment facility. As the stormwater gathers on ponds, any pollutants can be removed naturally while the solids settle over time. The design of the ponds should not allow water to stagnate. Ponds should also be paired with additional treatment measures to make them effective in treating stormwater.

• Wetlands: Wetlands are great for large projects as they can boast varying zones dedicated to filtering and treating pollutants in stormwater. They often carry out these functions using vegetation, natural processes, and the settling of suspended solids. 

• Raingardens: Raingardens are comprised of a filter area that often drains into porous pipes. They are effective in filtering out solids and treating pollutants, making sure that the stormwater discharged into the stormwater system will be clean already. Raingardens work best when integrated into road drainage.

To confirm the sustainability of your large projects, feel free to acquire our STORM and WSUD assessment services by contacting us at Empire Thermal Group.

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