What Is A Storm Drain explained? | Vodaland Canada

Storm drains, also known as storm sewers, are a crucial part of urban infrastructure. Yet, many people are not fully aware of how a stormwater drain functions. In simple terms, a storm drain is a system of underground pipes, channels, and structures designed to manage and control the flow of rain or snowmelt runoff.

In this blog, we explore the importance of storm drains, their design, and the vital role they play in preventing flooding and protecting public safety. This is especially important in Canada, where our systems must handle everything from sudden summer cloudbursts to the massive volumes of water produced during the spring freshet.

What is the purpose of a storm drain?

The primary purpose of storm drains is to manage and control the flow of rainwater and surface runoff in urban areas. These systems collect and transport water away from streets, parking lots, and other paved surfaces, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion.

Storm drains protect Canadian cities and towns from environmental hazards that arise during heavy weather events. By collecting large volumes of water quickly, they prevent street flooding and damage to buildings and automobiles. They also act as protection against erosion by ensuring water runs off hillsides and slopes in a controlled manner, lessening the likelihood of landslides and soil instability.

Where Does The Water in a Storm Drain Go?

As rainwater and melting snow flow into the storm drain system through grates or curb inlets, the water is transported via underground pipes. The exit points of these systems typically discharge directly into nearby natural waterways such as streams, rivers, lakes, or oceans.

In many Canadian municipalities, you may notice small "yellow fish" painted next to storm drains. These serve as a reminder that whatever enters the grate goes directly into local fish habitats without being treated at a plant first.

What effect does this have on the environment?

While some storm drain systems employ filtration devices to catch large debris, the reality is that most stormwater is discharged untreated. This can be detrimental to the environment.

Stormwater runoff often contains pollutants such as road salt, oil, grease, heavy metals, and chemicals. These substances harm aquatic life and impair water quality. In Canada, the high volume of road salt used in winter can lead to "chloride spikes" in local creeks during the spring thaw, which poses a long term risk to the health of fish and wildlife. Untreated runoff also contributes to sedimentation, which reduces oxygen levels in the water and disrupts delicate ecosystems.

Tips for mitigating these consequences

Individuals can take simple steps to reduce the environmental impact of storm sewers:

• Proper disposal: Never pour paint, motor oil, or household chemicals down a storm drain.
  
• Mind the salt: Use only as much de-icer as necessary during the winter to reduce chloride runoff.
  
• Rainwater harvesting: Install rain barrels to reduce the volume of water entering the system during peak storms.
  
• Litter control: Participating in local clean up efforts ensures that plastic and trash do not wash into our rivers and lakes.
  

Storm drain infrastructure

A storm sewer system consists of several coordinated components:

1. Grates and inlets: These allow water to enter the system from the surface.
   
2. Catch basins: These underground "boxes" collect water and trap heavy sediment before it can enter the main pipes.
   
3. Underground pipes: These transport the water through the network.
   
4. Detention ponds: Many modern Canadian subdivisions feature "stormwater management ponds" that store runoff and release it slowly to prevent downstream flooding.
   

What is the Difference Between A Storm Drain and a Sewer?

Storm drain and sanitary sewer systems are two distinct pieces of infrastructure. A storm drain is used to manage surface water runoff from precipitation. A sanitary sewer is designed to carry wastewater from toilets, sinks, and industrial processes.

The main difference is the destination. Wastewater in sanitary sewers is transported to a wastewater treatment plant for intensive processing. Stormwater runoff, however, usually undergoes very little filtration before entering natural bodies of water. While some older "combined sewer systems" still exist in parts of Canada, most modern infrastructure keeps these two flows entirely separate to prevent treatment plants from being overwhelmed during storms.

Vodaland Canada: innovative drainage solutions

If you are looking for high quality storm drain grates, catch basins, or professional drainage equipment, Vodaland Canada is your trusted partner. For over two decades, we have provided our customers with the most effective drainage and landscaping solutions on the market.

With a range of state of the art systems designed to withstand the rigours of the Canadian climate, we ensure your property is protected from water damage while remaining visually appealing.

To find the right system for your commercial or residential project, contact us today.