How infiltration systems help with sustainable rainwater management
Infiltration systems play a crucial role in sustainable rainwater management by allowing rainwater to flow back into the soil in a controlled manner instead of discharging it directly into the sewer system. They are an effective response to increasing flooding, soil desiccation, and the burden on sewer systems, especially in urban areas with extensive paved surfaces.
When rainwater falls on roofs, roads, or parking lots, it can't soak into the ground. As a result, it often flows unfiltered into the sewer system, leading to peak loads during heavy downpours and polluting surface water. Infiltration systems—such as infiltration crates, pipes, or fields—capture this water and allow it to slowly infiltrate into the subsurface. This helps naturally replenish the groundwater table and reduces the risk of flooding.
Infiltration systems also contribute to a climate-resilient living environment. By locally retaining and infiltrating rainwater, they reduce pressure on sewers and water treatment plants, contributing to energy savings and lower management costs. They also promote a healthier soil structure and green the urban climate.
In short, infiltration systems are a sustainable, future-oriented solution for responsible rainwater management, essential at a time when climate change is leading to increasingly extreme rainfall patterns.