HOW STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEMS REDUCE RISKS OF FLOODING IN MIAMI

As more land parcels are developed and covered by roads, parking lots, and buildings there is less capability to naturally recapture rain water. Rain water is vital for supplying natural underground aquifers.

Due to the lessening capability, strategies have been created to confine rain water using several drainage methods. These include: storm drainage systems, detention and retention ponds, porous pavement, storm water chambers, bioswales, and other techniques that recapture and recycle rain water.

Storm drainage systems make use of catchment devices that gather large portions of debris to lessen the amount of discharged waste. Drainage systems are crucial for rapidly eliminating storm water runoff so it doesn’t result in flooding of roads and surface areas like parking lots and sidewalks.

Detention storm drainage systems in Miami gather and detain collected water so it can gradually be released into the ground. Excess water is pushed toward the main system to reduce the impact when water flow peaks.

While detention systems safeguard against flooding, retention storm water systems gather and retain water until it can be naturally absorbed into the ground and refresh the subsurface water table.

Most retention storm drainage systems are installed below the ground in places like landscaped areas and parking lots. Some systems consist of water pipelines, while others make use of concrete chambers that have large filters installed.

Storm water chambers utilize fabric filters, rocks, and piping that is manufactured in the form of a semi-circle to let water seep into the ground in a natural manner. Sometimes, storm water chambers are also a detention system if an impermeable membrane liner is required.

Bioswales are needed to maximize water filtration while reducing the amount of surface water runoff. Water that runs off buildings and roofs and accumulates on streets and Miami parking lots is redirected to bioswales which are also known as bio-retention basins.

These basins are typically manufactured in the shape of a “U” and their appearance is similar to natural vegetation. The design is slightly sloped so water can drain gradually and settle into the ground. Bioswales help to recapture water and return it into the earth instead of conveying it to open bodies of water.

Porous pavement is a type of storm water drainage system manufactured from cement concrete mix, pre-cast masonry pavers, asphalt, and combinations of rock and concrete. This type of system aids in the drainage process of storm water by redirecting runoff to underground holding tanks that gradually release captured water into the ground.