This past Saturday in college football there were several games that were delayed by severe weather on the East Coast. Purdue at Virginia Tech, Notre Dame at North Carolina State, and James Madison at Virginia were just three of such games. Purdue at Virginia Tech was delayed for more than six hours because more than four inches of rain fell in the Blacksburg area. With that amount of rain, stormwater drainage infrastructure is critical.
Stormwater drainage infrastructure is critical to several communities, especially with changing weather patterns across the country. At IMH Products, we work with multiple municipalities to provide custom solutions for drainage infrastructure. These solutions optimize the performance of the system while having a low ecological impact.
Aspects Stormwater Drainage Infrastructure
There are multiple forms of stormwater drainage infrastructure. They include piped systems, detention basins, ditches, canals, channels, and roadway conveyance systems. They retain water runoff that travels over impervious surfaces such as roads, buildings, and parking lots. These systems move water from these places and into the natural water systems as part of the water cycle.
IMH Products is working to become a leader in green stormwater infrastructure. The main goal of this type of infrastructure is to maximize the benefits of the natural filtration process. It works with nature to replenish natural water supplies for growing urban communities. Green infrastructure reduces runoff, minimizes erosion, and contributes to water quality improvements.
Durability and Replacement
In addition to these improvements, durability is a key aspect. Many of the components made of corrugated metal, reinforced concrete, or plastic are designed to have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years. In that time these components must be able to withstand large rain events. Since many systems constructed in the 1970s are now approaching the 50-year lifespan mark, that means many municipalities are working to replace aging infrastructure with more modern developments.
The funding for this replacement comes from multiple sources, and because of aging infrastructure. Many stormwater utilities have had to pass risings costs along to consumers. According to the Report Card for American Infrastructure, stormwater fees have increased to an average of $5.34 per single-family household in the year 2018.
Proper management of these components have an upfront cost, but they save money in the long run. Stormwater drainage infrastructure reduces the impact of local flooding. That means proper replacement and management can reduce the future coast of heavy rain events. Between 2004 and 2014 urban flooding alone cost communities an average of $9 billion per year and 71 deaths.
At IMH Products, our goal is to work with communities to reduce the cost of replacing infrastructure through superior design and durable products. We employ environmentally low impact designs that are also durable. Our experience in this area helps guide contractors through the bureaucratic processes of working with communities while providing uniquely designed and cost-effective solutions.
Looking for a reliable source for stormwater drainage systems? Start your conversation with us today to see how we can help.