In forests, fields, mountains, and other natural settings, falling rain and melting snow soak into the soil or make their way to streams and rivers without difficulty. Eventually, all precipitation percolates into the groundwater supply or flows into the ocean.
In urban settings, rainwater needs a little more direction. After all, roofs, roads, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots dominate the urban landscape. These impenetrable surfaces produce a lot of runoff. That’s where storm drains come in. These important features of the urban stormwater system divert rainwater runoff so it can travel unimpeded toward area waterways.
All property owners in the Pleasanton, CA area are required to maintain their storm drains and other stormwater facilities no less than once per year. Additional maintenance is needed following major storm events and chemical spills. Here’s what makes maintaining your storm drains so important.
- Mitigate flooding: As water rushes toward a storm drain during a torrential downpour, it carries sticks, trash, mud, sediment, and other debris with it. This can pile up on the drain grate or clog the below-ground facility. When this happens, nearby roads and buildings may flood.
- Control erosion: A backed-up storm drain allows floodwater to breach the boundaries of purpose-build channels meant to direct water toward the drain. This can worsen the clog and wash away the surrounding soil, leading to harmful erosion.
- Prevent stormwater system overflow: Contrary to popular belief, stormwater runoff doesn’t pass through a treatment plant on its way to local waterways. Still, the sewer itself could overflow if too many stormwater management systems in the area aren’t sized, implemented, and maintained correctly.
- Decrease water pollution: Urban areas are vulnerable to water pollution. As runoff flows over hard surfaces, it carries chemicals, bacteria, and sediment directly into streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Without percolating through the soil first, there is no natural filter to sift out these contaminants. Storm drains contain below-ground filters, but they can only hold so much debris until they become clogged. If the filters are never cleaned, pollutants can flow freely into area waterways.
- Maintain property value: A clogged or obstructed storm drain is unsightly in its own right. During a heavy rainstorm, the resulting flood and erosion can be downright hazardous. Your insurance costs may increase and your property value may take a hit if adjusters discover the neglect.
- Remain compliant with environmental regulations: Local and federal water quality rules tighten every year, so auditors could fine you for neglecting your storm drains. If for no other reason, you should make storm drain maintenance a priority to avoid financial penalties.
Keep an eye on the storm drains around your property. If you notice water pooling around the storm drain or in other low-lying areas during heavy rainfall, it’s time to contact Trinity Liquid Waste to get things flowing again. We can perform storm drain maintenance before any damage occurs. Call us today at 510-874-6489 or contact us online to schedule services in Pleasanton, CA.