When it rains, it pours – Stormwater treatment
Stormwater can be described as water that originates from precipitation events such as rain, hail or snow. It differs drastically from ground water as it is not absorbed into the ground. It is water that flows directly into surface waterways like river and streams or is redirected to man-made channels like storm sewers which directs the water to surface water ways. The main concerns with regard to Stormwater are the volume. For example, in the case of heavy rainfall, some Stormwater channels are unable to c
ope with the excess and can cause flooding. Another concern is the possible contaminants that the water can pick up on the way to the surface water ways.
Stormwater treatments have been developed to reduce the amounts of contaminants present in the water. It is an extremely vital process as the Stormwater is mainly collected in urban areas. As a result, a large amount of urban waste and contaminants are present in the storm drains. When it rains, all the Stormwater that flows through the storm drains and collects all the contaminants. It then flows into the surface waterways and causes drastic water pollution. As well as causing water pollution, excessive Stormwater can cause extreme soil erosion at streams. It also alters the natural flow of the stream and encourages weeds to grow.
In order to reduce the amount of hazardous waste that accumulates in streams and rivers due to Stormwater drainage system, many Stormwater treatment facilities have been built all over the world. There are many methods that can be used for purifying Stormwater. The most obvious of contaminants is plastic bags and other large items that are often found in storm drains. There are a number of Stormwater treatments that separates and traps the debris and other contaminants like grease and oil. Most systems use a screen of some sort to remove the floating contaminants, while the water flows away slightly cleaner.
Stormwater treatments are absolutely vital to the development of safe and clean sources of water. Unfortunately, due to negligence and improper elimination of hazardous materials, Stormwater is polluted and has to undergo several stages of treatment before it can be used safely. As this does not take place, a lot of flora and fauna are compromised and pay the price as they cannot cope with the pollution.
Categorised as: Environment