Storm Drains: The importance of keeping them clear

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — With the temperatures starting to get cooler, the leaves on trees become weaker. And all of a sudden, the leaves will fall and get swept away by rain water. The problem with this situation: the leaves could clog up the storm drains and cause flooding. That is why is important to keep them clear!

Storm drain systems are engineered to efficiently manage excess rainwater and groundwater from paved surfaces such as streets, parking lots, sidewalks, and pathways. Typically, these storm drains receive water from street gutters, which in turn collect runoff from the roofs and gutters of residential and commercial buildings. According to Wind River Environmental , common pollutants that can be found in storm drains include:

• trash and debris
• oil and grease
• antifreeze
• mineral deposits
• paints
• cleaners and solvents
• pesticides
• fertilizers
• tree roots
• animal waste
• detergents
• sediments

Regular cleaning of storm drainage systems is essential for optimal performance. While maintenance is crucial for all such systems, there are certain limitations to consider. Here are ten key points to understand about storm drain cleaning, according to Wind River Environmental :

1. Clogged drains can result in water overflow, contributing to increased erosion and hazardous driving conditions. Areas with relatively flat grades or low water flow demand special attention, as they often lack sufficient flow to effectively self-clean.
2. Flushing is particularly effective for cleaning storm drains with diameters smaller than 36 inches. To carry out this process, a reliable water source is essential.
3. Because storm drainage systems channel rainwater into freshwater sources like lakes and rivers, it is crucial to use environmentally safe cleaning products for maintaining these systems.
4. The effectiveness of storm flushing diminishes when the length of the sewer line being cleaned exceeds 700 feet.
5. High-pressure water jetting, or hydro jetting, is one of the most effective methods for cleaning storm drains and removing debris buildup. At Wind River Environmental, we provide both commercial and residential storm drain cleaning services.
6. Regular cleaning of your storm drains and catch basins is crucial to prevent emergency situations that could lead to stormwater overflow, backups, property damage, and noncompliance.
7. Removing debris without relying heavily on washdown water is advantageous, as it allows the debris storage container to fill more efficiently.
8. Conducting an initial inspection is essential to identify the root cause of the issue, preventing costly expenses from misdiagnosing the problem. Video inspection is the most commonly used diagnostic method, as it is easy, efficient, and minimally invasive.
9. It is recommended that storm drains be cleaned at least once a year, and more frequently in specific situations. In areas prone to litter or dirt accumulation, sensitive locations near water bodies, and places with a history of blockages, increasing the frequency of cleaning is especially important.
10. You can help keep storm drains clean and reduce the need for frequent maintenance by clearing away fallen leaves, picking up trash near storm drains, and trimming trees to prevent dead branches from entering the drains.

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