Stormwater is an increasingly common problem for utilities and local authorities as cities and towns try to mitigate the effects of excess water on their infrastructure and public health. The problem can range from the erosion of pipes and land masses to the deposition of pollutants in rivers and streams, all of which impact water quality and fisheries.
One effective way to reduce the environmental and public health impacts of stormwater is through flow control. Using modern methods of intercepting, infiltrating, containing, controlling and treating wet-weather flows is the first step in an integrated approach to stormwater valve management.
The flow control component of integrated stormwater management involves the installation of check valves and other devices to control and regulate water flows at a site. These devices are intended to be used with water and sewage storage and infiltration systems, as well as on site wetlands and other reclaimed areas to help prevent and mitigate adverse wet-weather impacts.
Vortex Valve and Float Piloted Sluice Gate
A vortex valve is a device that mimics nature’s braking system to slow down and control wet-weather flows. Several companies, including Hydro International, have installed more than 17,000 of these products around the world, and they’ve proven to be an effective means of reducing the negative impact of stormwater runoff on our environment.
In addition to the positive benefits of vortex valves, many cities and governments are finding that they can save money by installing them on projects that would otherwise require traditional flow controls such as orifice plates and penstocks. On the City of Glasgow’s $100 million White Cart Water Floor Prevention Scheme, for example, Vortex Valves were used to manage and restrict the release of water into the surrounding environment.
Check Valves and Backwater Vending
Another way to control the amount of water flowing into a property from municipal sewers is by installing backwater valves on residential properties. These valves connect to the home’s plumbing and have an internal flapper that opens and closes when there is a sewer overflow.
Installing a backwater valve will not change the cost of your flood insurance, but it can save you thousands in sewage cleanup and restoration costs. The cost of a backwater valve depends on the size and location of your drainpipes, as well as which type is best for your situation.
Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation
Often, homes with weeping tiles that directly connect to municipal sewers have problems with infiltration flooding through foundation walls or floors during heavy rains when the municipal sewer system surcharges. By disconnecting these weeping tiles and adding a sump pump, you can keep infiltration flooding from occurring during storms.
Stormwater and sewage valves protect your home from a sewer overflow by closing when the pressure inside your system increases. The valve will only open when the level of pressure in your pipes exceeds a pre-determined value, which can be set by the plumber during the installation process.