Unusual Facts About Storm Drain Catch Basins

By Kana Pipeline

Are you aware storm drain catch basins were used by ancient civilizations? Basins played a vital role in helping farmers acquire water to irrigate their crops. Drainage systems were also used to protect crops during periods of heavy rain.

Even though storm drain catch basins are drastically different than those used centuries ago, they are still used to safeguard communities against flooding. Most people do not realize that the concrete openings positioned along curbs and roads have a crucial function for public safety.

It’s too bad citizens are unaware of how important these systems are. If they had more knowledge they would be more careful about what they let slip down street gutters. Most people don’t realize that lawn chemicals and pesticide sprays are carried away with rain water and deposited into oceans and rivers.

The same holds true for leaking motor oils and antifreeze, car shampoos and waxes, pet waste, loose soil, and debris. Every time it rains chemicals are washed off lawns, driveways, and streets into catch basins.

One of the greatest obstacles of designing public drainage systems is the inability to add purification filters. Filtration systems appear to be a logical way to lessen the size and amount of debris entering the system. However, storm water has to be transported as quickly as possible so street flooding does not occur.

It would be impractical to install filters in catch basins or pipeline because water flow would be restricted. Furthermore, if filters aren’t cleaned out regularly they could clog pipes with debris and result in catastrophic failure.

With that said municipal storm drain systems are fitted with oil and water separators. As the name implies, these filters pull synthetic oils out of the water where it is kept until the filter is replaced. A mind-boggling fact is that one quart of synthetic oil can pollute more than 60,000 gallons of water.

The consequence of releasing environmental contaminants into oceans and streams is everything that relies on the water source is negatively affected. Oil spills can be fatal to fish, aquatic life, and total eco systems.

People can decrease the amount of harmful contaminants they let pass through public drainage systems. An easy way to reduce toxins is to get rid of any currently being used by disposing of them at approved facilities and switching to non-toxic alternatives.

Consider switching to “green” lawn and pest care treatments, as well as car shampoos and vinyl siding cleansers. Keep automobiles maintained and watch for oil or antifreeze leaks. Small changes can make a big difference to overburdened waterways.

Water is conveyed into public drainage systems by means of a drop inlet or storm drain catch basin that is positioned along walkways and roadways. Catch basins are manufactured from concrete and covered with a removable metal grate.

Drop inlets are usually installed in areas where elevation is at or below sea level, such as coastal regions. They can also be found in above ground and underground parking garages.

Regardless if a drop inlet or storm drain catch basin is used the appurtenant needs to clear of debris so it can perform at maximum capacity. Drainage systems ought to be cleaned out on a monthly basis, with storm drains being vacuumed every 4 to 6 months. Clean-outs are the responsibility of the municipality where the system is installed.

About the Author: Kana Pipeline is a wet utility construction company with 28 years’ experience installing

storm drain catch basins

in California. We utilize subsurface utility engineering to acquire detailed information about the jobsite. Let us show you how to reduce project costs at

KanaPipeline.com

.

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