Innovative Stormwater Flood Prevention Strategies

Managing stormwater effectively is essential to minimize or eliminate flooding, protect property, and preserve the environment. Approaching system optimization from various angles can improve stormwater management systems through additional maintenance, innovative ways to control runoff, and other strategies.

1. Embrace a Multifaceted Approach to Stormwater Management

It might not seem natural for stormwater management and innovation to occur in the same sentence, but the need to lighten carbon footprints and create more sustainable stormwater management systems is driving the development of new solutions and updated ways to use existing ones. Innovative stormwater management techniques for flood prevention can include integrative solutions such as combining traditional retention and detention basins on a property with bioswales and other cutting-edge types of green infrastructure such as rain gardens.

Bioswales and rain gardens are aesthetically attractive additions to a property's landscape, providing habitats for insects, birds, and butterflies. Green roofs are another innovative way to reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and insulate buildings.

Preventing floods is easier when properties have a smaller runoff volume, which can be achieved with features such as permeable surfaces. Types include permeable pavers, artificial turf, pervious concrete, and porous asphalt. Permeable surfaces mimic the natural absorption that soil or grass surfaces provide to absorb rainwater.

2. Use Proactive and Predictive Maintenance Strategies

An innovative way to stay on top of maintenance is by implementing a routine cleaning schedule with additional frequency depending on weather needs. Washington requires that stormwater systems are inspected and cleaned annually, but your system may benefit from more frequent maintenance. Consider monitoring your system, working with a stormwater management vendor, or utilizing technology such as water level sensors, rainfall gauges, etc. All three options will give you helpful insights into the condition of your stormwater system. Additionally, a protocol for post-storm maintenance should be developed by training staff as a "rapid-response" team to do immediate inspections and cleanups after a storm. Use data from previous storm seasons to estimate and schedule seasonal cleaning for the stormwater system.

3. Integrate Advanced Inspection Techniques

Institute visual checks quarterly, which include routine surface inspections to catch cracks, breaks, and other visible issues as soon as they develop to prevent flooding caused by leaks. Stormwater management techniques for flood prevention include using high-tech tools to perform annual inspections at a deeper level. For example, CCTV is used to inspect internal pipes and underground system devices, while drone technology is used to inspect above-ground system parts that are more difficult to access. Additionally, drones can perform immediate inspections following major storms to look for potential damage. Another tech-related strategy is to use a specialized software platform to maintain maintenance records. The system will provide easy access for future maintenance needs and also improve the ease and accuracy of regulatory compliance and reporting.

4. Optimize Maintenance Routines for Peak System Performance

Optimizing maintenance routines ensures the system operates at peak performance throughout the year, regardless of the weather. Start by setting up a regularly scheduled storm drain cleaning to ensure the removal of debris, vegetation, and sediment from critical storm drain points. In terms of structural integrity, schedule ongoing inspections and make any necessary repairs to infrastructure immediately to ensure there are no system failures during or after storm events that could cause or contribute to floods. Inspect vegetation to ensure it is healthy and maintained in rain gardens, bioswales, and drainage areas. Implement continuous maintenance and monitoring of basins and outflow structures to optimize runoff flow through the system.

5. Detect Problems Early

Regular checks and monitoring can help detect problems with the system early and remedy them to avoid getting caught by surprise when unexpected flooding happens after a storm. Regular checking for sediment and debris accumulation will prevent blockages, a common flood contributor. Erosion control is another factor that needs to be identified and addressed, especially near outflow areas. Structural monitoring and system flow efficiency are additional ways to spot problems early. If standing water or slow drainage occurs, it could indicate system issues or inefficiencies needing resolution.

6. Perform a Comprehensive Assessment of the System

As an essential part of stormwater management techniques for flood prevention, detailed hydrological studies should be conducted to find out if the system can handle local rainfall in its current state and estimate the risk of floods. This strategy is becoming more critical due to global warming's influence on the severity of storms. Perform a historical flood events review to understand how the stormwater management system has performed during those events. Consider using advanced modeling software to perform predictive modeling. It can simulate storm events and allow for strategic flood prevention and preparation plans for various scenarios. Additionally, consider engaging with local authorities to get updated information on compliance and engage in expert consultation to gain insights on different ways to manage the existing stormwater system better.

7. Practice Innovation with Community Integration, Engagement, and Education

Work with employees and tenants to promote eco-friendly practices that emphasize sustainability. Organize events such as regular cleanups to keep areas around drains and catch basins free and clear of debris and pollutants. Encourage the community to participate actively and report issues that will help maintain the stormwater system. Additionally, create and provide informative materials and accessible information to train staff, tenants, and the community on the importance and value of stormwater management.

8. Shore Up an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan

Prepare for floods and other emergencies by ensuring clear communication. Establish a chain of command, an effective communication plan, and a response protocol in case of emergency events. Make preparations before storms by identifying and protecting areas of high risk using barriers or sandbags. Have a drainage check where someone ensures that all the drainage points are clear of debris immediately before significant storms. Additionally, develop and rehearse evacuation procedures to ensure safety.

The Consequences of System Neglect

While neglecting system maintenance and care is not usually a purposeful choice, it may happen due to scarce funding, inadequate staffing, and other issues. However, an increased flood risk will increase potential financial losses and exacerbate a difficult situation. In addition, issues such as sediment build-up, root infiltration, and municipal fines can become significantly more expensive to remediate when a system is neglected.  

Backed-up water and unsafe conditions create safety concerns on the property, and water that stands for more than 24 hours causes additional damages. Just one inch of water seeping inside a building can cause extensive and costly damage. Additionally, regulatory fines and legal repercussions can result from system maintenance non-compliance. Finally, the environmental impact and ecological damage from flooding and poor stormwater system maintenance and management can also become extensive.

Innovative Stormwater Management Can Prevent Floods, Reduce Maintenance Costs, and Keep Your System in Compliance

Stormwater system management can significantly improve by embracing innovation and implementing new strategies. Routine inspections and maintenance play a major role in keeping your system functioning well and in compliance. A storm drain cleaning service can reduce the workload and help manage all aspects of your stormwater system maintenance. Contact CatchAll Environmental today and speak to our professional staff for more information.