Oregon is known for its frequent rain, but the western part of the state is the region where torrential downpours can be a serious concern. They cause problems with drainage, because of the debris and sediment that clogs pipes and drains. The vast majority of Oregon is made up of clay, or clay-like soils, so when it rains heavily, water has trouble soaking through that type of soil and can lead to floods. The best way to improve a better drainage system is to fix landscaping problems like soil enhancements, culvert installations, preventing water from entering the crawl space, creating drainage channels, and replacing gutters.
Buying the proper liners that function well with drainage is very important, because if leaks or loss in material occur, you will have to purchase more liner, which can take a long time. You want your drainage system to be free of any unwanted sediments and erosion so that maintenance is much easier to handle. Multi-layered reinforced polyethylene and high density polyethylene would be best picks for drainage prevention, in terms of durability, and chemical resistance.
In order to improve drainage ditches, liner installation is required. With RPE, there are no problems with installing as these flexible liners can easily stretch and bend around culverts and tunnels to perfectly fit as needed. It is essential to remove any fallen branches that could potentially clog up channels and to rake up leaves every few days in the fall to prevent build up. Using a Vacuum Leak Test determines how well the material is sealed and scouts out any holes or tears that may cause leakage.
Stormwater Management
Understanding how to properly manage stormwater runoff control, gathering, storage, and flow are all important when planning drainage. Stormwater is natural and can be difficult to predict; therefore, it is important to have a back-up plan when storms do occur; and drainage systems can fix that issue. To prevent flooding, stormwater runoff needs to be managed properly and have access to several drains to flow into. Oregon is strict about their stormwater management and how to accurately maintain drains, because of all the rain that is produced. It is essential to follow every guideline and step in order to achieve a successful drainage system so that you can prevent flood damage and unhealthy water quality.
Types of Stormwater Drainage Systems
Slot drains are basically like trench drains, but newer and more advanced. Slot drains form a straight, thin line that runs over concrete with a 20 mm wide slit at the top where water is drained in. Slot drains are built into the ground, giving them a more appealing, less noticeable appearance than trench drains, which use a grate drain for drainage. The slit at the top of the drain prevents heavy amounts of debris from flowing in and any excess dirt from cars driving over it, because of its sloped structure. This sloped structure makes it so that water and debris are drained properly, ensuring the slot drain is cleaned at an easy and efficient pace. However, because of how quickly water overspills during heavy downpours, flooding is more likely to happen. Slot drains are the least expensive type of drain due to this major issue.
French drain systems are dug up tunnels formed around a saturated yard to send stormwater runoff through a perforated pipe away from the house and into the street. Rocks, stones, pebbles, and grass can be used to cover up the trench. Not only does this give your yard a naturally pleasing look, but using stones instead of soil allows smoother water flow and prevents debris buildup. Lack of drainage causes puddles, which result in mold growth, mosquito nests, and other grass problems in your yard. A french drain is a very efficient system that is designed specifically for outdoor areas and protects against water accumulating in one spot above ground.
Permeable pavements are very effective during heavy rainfall, as it is the most appealing and reliable draining system to use for stormwater runoff. Permeable pavements collect rainfall and surface runoff and then slowly soaks into the soil below. The pavement is made up of absorbent material constructed from layers of concrete, asphalt, and pavers. There are a few specific ways permeable paving thoroughly benefits stormwater management. In comparison to other drainage systems, this system is much more environmentally friendly. This is mainly because rainfall naturally seeps into the ground rather than flowing through drains, making water cleaner and uncontaminated. In addition to being recyclable, permeable pavers are lightweight and transportable. Not only are permeable pavement drainage systems eco friendly, but they also significantly reduce erosion and flooding, and require minimal maintenance.
Poor Drainage Repercussions
Poor drainage systems may cause problems such as erosion, flooding, stagnant water, and contamination. It is critical to do enough research about which drainage system to use and to go over budget plans before investing in anything. Not being fully aware of the maintenance and work that goes into your drain is not advisable and may potentially put your drainage system at risk, along with the soil and plants it would affect in the process. Unfortunately, you have no control over the weather or how much rain falls, but as was already indicated, there are solutions.
Erosion is caused by water that flows over top the surface without sediment traps to stop the debris from mixing in with the water. This debris can heavily damage land and contaminate soil and mulch, which may cause rotting. Without soil’s water and nutrient storage, there is an increase in crop damage and layers of sediment may flow down streams, causing floods. Once this happens, the cycle continues and continues, making it difficult to further stop eroding soil. Erosion directly affects the environment, which directly affects the people living in that environment, by causing air pollution. People with health issues are particularly at risk from air pollution, which raises the stakes. Air pollution may increase the risk of heart disease, asthma, stroke, and lung cancer even in those who are otherwise healthy.
Mosquitoes are extremely irksome and stagnant water does not help when it attracts mosquito breeding grounds, which can turn into a big issue if not treated immediately. Mosquitoes that breed in water carry diseases that are harmful to humans and wildlife. They are drawn to homes’ water-damaged walls, which result in decay and mold. If mosquitos have already consumed organic matter in the water, aerating the pond and adding fish will help fix the problem and lessen the number of mosquitoes breeding.
Flooding causes debris to build up in storm drains, pipes and outfalls. The debris blocks all drainage outlets; therefore the water is unable to find anywhere to drain and all the water is built up, causing a flood. This can be very harmful to not only drainage systems, but also to homes and streets. Urban areas are more likely to be affected by flooding due to the lack of soil that water needs to properly drain. When there is no drainage, streams quickly overflow, carrying debris and sediment in the water. The debris damages the environment by polluting the air, hurting crops, and affecting aquatic life. Although it is difficult to prevent these natural occurrences, it is important to have good drainage systems installed to reduce such damage.
