SYSTEMS FOR BUILDING

STORM WATER
DRAINAGE
GROUP 7
WHAT IS
STORMWATER
STORMWATER IS a rainwater and melted snow that runs off streets, lawns and other
sites. When stormwater is absorbed into the ground, it is filtered and ultimately
replenishes aquifers or flows into streams and rivers.

As rainwater runs across different surfaces, it can pick up various types of pollutants
including the Sediment from exposed soil, oil and grease from driveways and roads,
leaves and animal droppings that collect in gutters, chemicals from lawns and
gardens.
Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater Runoff is rainfall that flows over
the ground surface. It is created when rain
falls on roads, driveways, parking lots,
rooftops and other paved surfaces that do not
allow water to soak into the ground. 

Also generated from impervious surfaces

such as roofs, roads and sidewalks.

Collects particulates, nutrients and heavy

metals as it travels down the street and into
the storm sewer.
Where does stormwater go?
In urban areas, rain that falls on house
roofs, paved areas like driveways, roads
and footpaths, or flows from saturated
gardens and grass fields, is carried away
through stormwater pipes and canals to
the ocean, via creeks and rivers.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
Impervious surfaces are mainly artificial structures
such as pavements roads, sidewalks, driveways
and parking lots, as well as industrial areas, all of
which use considerable paved areas that are
covered by water-resistant materials such as
asphalt, concrete, brick, stone and rooftops.

PERVIOUS SURFACE
Pervious pavement is designed to let water
naturally seep through it and go down into the
soil beneath.
RUNOFF
Usually receives no treatment before discharge. During a rain storm, after enough
initial rainfall occurs, water will flow across the land downhill into the nearest
gutted, drain, stream, or river
 TWO MAIN PROBLEMS CAUSED BY
STORMWATER RUNOFF
PROPERTY DAMAGE
01
Flooding has increased in some areas because water can‘t soak slowly into the ground. Instead it
runs off hard surfaces and, in a heavy rain, can lead to flooding, erosion and property damage.

WATER POLLUTION
02
Water becomes polluted when it collects oil, gas, fertilizers, pet waste and more. When this
contaminated runoff flows into a body of water, toxins are released into the drinking water
sources killing fish or other aquatic life. Even if your home is not near a large body of water,
contaminated runoff could still travel into the groundwater supply, causing health problems.
 OTHER PROBLEMS CAUSED BY
STORMWATER RUNOFF
WATER SHORTAGES
03
Water shortages in growing communities may occur, especially in developed areas with
impervious surfaces or areas where water cannot filtrate through, such as roads, parking lots and
rooftops. The impervious surfaces keep rainfall from soaking into the ground and replenishing
groundwater and streams used for drinking water or fish habitat.

IMPACTS TO RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

04 Stormwater runoff can cause polluted waterways which can lead to restrictions on boating,
swimming, and fishing in recreational areas.
ELLICIT DISCHARGE
An illicit discharge is the discharge of
pollutants or non-stormwater material
entering the stormwater drainage system.
Illicit discharges are a problem because the
water entering our drainage system flows
directly to our local water ways without any
treatment. This results in untreated water
containing pollutants, bacteria, heavy metals,
toxins, oils and grease, solvents following
into our rivers, streams and brooks.
THE POLLUTION THAT RUNOFF CARRIES
INTO OUR WATERWAYS

- PET WASTE - FERTILIZER

- YARD DEBRIS - PESTICIDES
- LITTER - CARWASH SOAPS
- SEDIMENTS - AUTO FLUIDS
WHAT IS
STORM SEWER
The STORM SEWER, also known as storm drain, is a system designed to carry
rainfall runoff and other drainage. It is not designed to carry sewage or accept
hazardous wastes. The runoff is carried in underground pipes or open ditches and
discharges untreated into local streams, rivers and other surface water bodies. Storm
drain inlets are typically found in curbs and low-lying outdoor areas. Some older
buildings have basement floor drains that connect to the storm sewer system.
Note!
STORM SEWERS are different from
SANITARY SEWERS, and the two
should never be confused. A storm water
sewer is not treated; it goes directly to
water body, pollutants and all. A sanitary
sewer goes to the waste water treatment
plant where the water goes through a
complicated process where it is cleaned
and released back into the water.
20K+

HOW
DOES
IT Rainwater and water from vehicle washing and

WORK
10K+
over-irrigation flow into storm drains located in
parking lots, streets, and gutters. These drains are
connected through a series of underground pipes
? that carry water directly to our rivers, lakes, and
streams. Everything that goes into a storm drain is
discharged into our waterways.
Storm Sewer
Specifications
• Provide convenience drainage for roads and adjacent properties
• Designed for a specific storm event (for example, 1 in 5 year rain storm)
• Provide an economic balance between flooding and construction costs
• In conjunction with major drainage systems, provide greater protection in newer
areas
Here are some
things you can • Do not pour anything into storm sewer drains.

do to help • Keep storm sewer drains clear of leaves, grass clippings, sticks and

maintain our litter.

• Repair any leaks and drips from your vehicle.
sewer systems
• Collect and recycle motor oil .
and keep our • Clean up spills and don’t wash them into a drain.
environment • Don’t pour paints, solvents, cleaners, etc. into any drain.
clean: • Minimize the use of herbicides and pesticides.
WHAT IS THE
STORM
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM

• It's a network of structures, channels and underground pipes that carry stormwater (rain water) to ponds, lakes,
streams and rivers.  The network consists of both public and private systems.
• It's an integral part of the storm water management system that is designed to control the quantity, quality, timing
and distribution of storm runoff.
• It's not part of the wastewater (sanitary sewer) system, which carries water and waste from drains (sinks, bathtubs,
showers, etc.) and toilets to a treatment plant to be treated and filtered. Storm water does not flow to a treatment
plant.
PARTS OF A
STORM
DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
01. INLET
Storm drain inlets are the openings that allow storm water to flow into a storm
drainage system. There are many types of inlets, including:

• Curb opening inlet

• Grate inlet
• Drop inlet
• Slotted drain inlet
• Combination inlet
• Flanking inlets
02. STORM DRAIN

A popular term you might hear is a “storm water

catch basin” or just a “catch basin.” This device
is a basin that collects water and lets it out
through a narrow pipe when the water reaches a
certain level. While catch basins are popular for
landscape drainage, a storm drain is a type of
catch basin, allowing storm water to flow into it
through a storm water inlet.
03. CULVERTS

Culverts are massive pipes that carry storm

water underground to a local pond, treatment
plant, or another destination. They are handy
for allowing the water to flow under roads,
railroads, and other surface-level
constructions. A culvert might have one or
two inlets connected to each section.
04. MANHOLES

Some manholes, also known as

access holes, are points at which
maintenance crew can clean,
repair, and maintain the storm
drain system without having to
go into it themselves.
05. TRUNK LINE

The trunk line, or “main,” is

the main pipeline that carries
the storm water away. The
storm drain will lead water
into this system, which flows
at a steady rate and takes in a
steady amount to prevent a
surcharge. 
 Water Quality
The first flush from urban runoff can be extremely dirty. Storm water may
become contaminated while running down the road or other impervious
surface, or from lawn chemical run-off, before entering the drain. Water
running off these impervious surfaces tends to pick up gasoline, motor
ENVIRON- oil, heavy metals, trash and other pollutants from roadways and parking lots,
as well as fertilizers and pesticides from lawns.

MENTAL
IMPACTS
Water Quality
Catch basins are commonly designed with a
sump area below the outlet pipe level—a
reservoir for water and debris that helps prevent
the pipe from clogging. Unless constructed with
permeable bottoms to let water infiltrate into
underlying soil, this subterranean basin can
become a mosquito breeding area, because it is
cool, dark, and retains stagnant water for a long
time. Combined with standard grates, which
have holes large enough for mosquitoes to enter
and leave the basin, this is a major problem in
mosquito control.
WHAT IS
Roof Drainage Design
The primary purpose of a roof is to protect a structure from weather. Rain and melting
snow can quickly damage a structure if they are allowed to stand and seep into a
building, thereby causing decay and weakening the structure. A roof drainage
system redirects water from the roof to the ground surrounding the structure to protect
the structure from moisture damage.
Different Types of Roof Drainage
Design

1. Guttering Systems
2. Inner Roof Drains
3. Scupper Drains
4. Siphonic Roof Drains
01. Guttering System

Gutters are installed under

the edge of your roof to
catch rainwater as it streams
down your roof's surface.
The gutters then direct water
to the edge of your roof and
into vertical sectionals called
downspouts.
 Guttering System
PROS
• Inexpensive – gutters are the easiest types
of drain systems to get and install
• Keeps water from pouring off of the roof
in an uncontrollable manner
• Protects doorways and window openings
• Can keep water from pooling and
building up near the building foundation • Winter freezing – ice builds up causing a
CONS
• High maintenance – gutters need continual
cleaning and upkeep all year long
• Gutter brackets can make them hard to clean
– installing screens can reduce this problem
• Gutters may become brittle and crack. The
brackets may also give way due to water or
wet leaf weight
dam which leads to cracking
02. Inner Roof Drains

Inner drains are found many times

on large building roofs. Residential
homes may also have this type of
commercial roof installed. The
drains are usually placed near the
center of the building. They attach to
pipes that drain the water down
through the building’s roof. This
keeps the water safely away from the
walls and foundation.
 Inner Roof Drains
PROS
• Unlike gutter systems, inner drains will not
freeze up and crack or fail during the winter. The
building and walls naturally protect the pipes
from the elements.
• Inner drains are customizable as an attractive
feature of your flat roof. Increase your building’s
curb appeal and beauty with custom fittings.
• Strainers for inner drains are best when custom-
made to fit your roof and your particular climate.
They assist in keeping any debris from clogging
the drain.
CONS
• Inner drains are the costliest to install.
• Maintenance and repair of an inner drain system
usually require a professional technician. This leads to
an even larger expense.
• Vigilance is necessary regarding debris on the flat roof
with inner drains. A small amount of debris can
completely clog the system. This can become a
domino effect as water will have nowhere to go,
creating standing pools of water.
• Be sure there is an adequate and appropriate number
of drains for the size of your roof. Not enough drains
will cause a problem with water building up.
03. Scupper Drains

Scuppers are openings in the outer

walls or curbs along the roof line.
They allow water to run through the
wall via a metal box protecting and
surrounding the scupper. When
designed and installed in the correct
manner, scuppers are usually the best
value. They are the top choice for
draining water from your flat roof
efficiently.
 Scupper Drains
PROS CONS
• Low cost • The only real negative with scuppers
• Easy to almost negligible maintenance required occurs when they hook up to a
• No clogging issues if scupper is large or wide downspout or gutter. Because of the
enough clogging habits of both of these
• No leaf or debris build-up, everything washes or attachments, it is a better idea to leave
blows off the roof them off of the system.
• Water shoots out away from the building instead
of down the side
• Can add architectural appeal to roof line with
custom scuppers
04. Siphonic Roof Drains

Unlike a traditional roof drain

system, a siphonic system
is designed to operate with the
piping completely filled with water
during a rainstorm. Several drains tie
into a horizontal collector that is
routed to a convenient point where it
transitions into a vertical stack.
SURFACE DRAINAGE
Surface drainage systems are canals that are created for runoff water. They
contain shallow ditches that are dug in a parallel pattern. Knowing the different
types of surface drainage systems, their purpose, and how to choose will allow
you to decide on the best route for a given property.
THE
PURPOSE
The purpose of surface drainage systems is to keep water from
flooding or pooling on property. The longer water sits stagnant, the
more susceptible it is to becoming contaminated by outside
influences. Some water will undoubtedly be absorbed into the
ground and surrounding foliage; however, an improperly sloped
yard, lack of surface drainage systems, or excessive precipitation
falling could cause issues.
ADVANTAGES
The advantages of implementing surface
drainage systems are that it minimizes the
length of time water is ponded. Prolonged
saturation of soil restricts gas exchange
within the soil and root system of plants. It
also prevents cultural operations and can
inundate crops and essentially kill them.
DESIGN GOAL
The whole reasoning behind the various designs of
surface drainage systems is to execute a surface
drainage plan that’s effective. There are many
factors you should take into consideration when
mapping these systems out. The goal is to shape
the land into a watershed. Every single body of
water has a watershed, which is where the water is
drained or “shed” into larger bodies of water.
Rainfall water drains into streams and rivers, and
those into larger bodies of water such as the sea or
the ocean.
4 TYPES OF SURFACE
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
01 OPEN DRAINS

HUMPS AND HOLLOWS

02

03 GRASSED WATER WAYS

04 LEVEES
 SHALLOW
Shallow, open drains can be created
with the use of a hand shovel. They are
never deeper than one foot. Their
purpose is to help remove water in
shallow depressions. Though they
direct water to larger drains or streams,
a shallow drain is only suited for
draining small areas and is considered
more of a temporary arrangement.
MEDIUM DEPTH
Medium depth open drains range
between a foot to a meter deep.
Typically, an excavator is used to dig
these into a V-shaped trench with a flat
bottom. It has a gradient that must be
steep enough to allow water to flow
through swiftly without causing
damage to the walls or bottom of the
drain. These are most suited for areas
that are flat.
LARGE
Large open drains can be wide and
several meters in depth. A dragline
excavator, bulldozer, or scraper may be
used in the creation of a large open
drain. These types of drainage systems
are used to evacuate large volumes of
water.
HUMPS AND HOLLOWS
This is exactly what it sounds like. Parallel
humps are shaped into the surface with hollows
in between them. The humps help shed excess
moisture, which then is collected in the hollows
that serve as shallow surface drains. The two
features work together to create a series of
lateral surface drains. From there, water is
discharged into headland drains. The spacing
between humps depends on the speed at which
the water needs to be removed.
LEVEES
Levees are surface channels
usually created on land with a
gradient in such a manner that
the soil removed to create
these forms a levee on the
downslope of these channels.
 GRASSED WATERWAY

A grassed waterway is typically

quite shallow and maybe narrow
to a few meters in width. These
can be used to regulate drain
outflows going down slopes, so as
to cheaply prevent erosion.
SUBSTANCE DRAINAGE
SYSTEM: DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
• Floor drainage systems allow efficient removal of surface fluids and separate
the building drainage from the sewer providing a physical barrier to odour and
more noxious substances. They should assist in minimising particulate
discharge and provide practical methods to keep ongoing pipe runs clear.
However, bacteria are known to thrive in drainage systems, and thought must
be given to material selection, drain design, installation specification and
maintenance, not only with regard to the principle drain but also to accessories
such as gratings, locking mechanisms, debris baskets and foul air traps.
DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

• The use of gullies or channels impacts ergonomic, economic and hydraulic as

well as hygienic design factors: floor falls can be simplified and
underground pipework minimised at the expense of higher drain cost and
larger drainage product area. Channel system hydraulic capacity must be
assessed using a steady non-uniform flow formula, the use of which highlights
that fluid velocities will fall far short of ‘self-cleansing’ velocity. A balance
must be found between fluid interception, capacity and the cleaning regime
required to sanitise the drains. Drainage systems are an integral part of the
floor structure; as such drains should be designed and certified to the
appropriate standards.
WHAT ARE THE 4
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
DRAINAGE SYSTEM?

• Surface Drainage System.

• Subsurface Drainage System.
• Slope Drainage System.
• Downspout and Gutter Systems.
SURFACE DRAINAGE
SYSTEM

• Surface drainage is the orderly

removal of excess water from
the surface of land through
improved natural channels or
constructed ditches and through
shaping of the land.
 GRASSED WATERWAY

• Surface drainage systems are canals

that are created for runoff water.

SURFACE They contain shallow ditches that

are dug in a parallel pattern.
Knowing the different types of
DRAINAGE surface drainage systems, their
purpose, and how to choose will

SYSTEM
allow you to decide on the best
route for a given property.
 SURFACE DRAINAGE SYSTEM
• The purpose of surface drainage systems is to keep water from flooding or pooling on
property. The longer water sits stagnant, the more susceptible it is to becoming
contaminated by outside influences. Some water will undoubtedly be absorbed into the
ground and surrounding foliage; however, an improperly sloped yard, lack of surface
drainage systems, or excessive precipitation falling could cause issues.

• Whether the diversion or removal of this excess water in an orderly fashion comes from
constructed drains, land shaping, or grading to guide the water to drains, it must happen.
Improved channels maintain the water that eventually is collected by natural bodies of
water in the area, or by sewer systems to be cleaned, filtered, and resupplied.
SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
• Subsurface drainage is the removal
of water from the rootzone. It is
accomplished by deep open drains or
buried pipe drains. i. Deep open
drains. The excess water from the
rootzone flows into the open drains.
 • Subsurface drainage describes the process of removal of that water
which has infiltrated into the soil in excess of the amount that can be
held by capillary forces against the force of gravity. Soils that require
accelerated subsurface drainage typically have some impermeable or
slowly permeable feature below the surface that prevents water that
SUBSURFACE has entered the soil from moving deeper into the soil and underlying
materials at a rate that allows agricultural production to be
DRAINAGE economically viable. Other criteria may involve the stability of roads
and building sites. The obstruction to rapid percolation of water
through the soil may be shallow bedrock, highly dense glacial till,
SYSTEM depositional clay layers, and other similar causes. In other words,
there is no natural outlet for the water, and the soil becomes saturated
by the accumulated infiltration of water.
SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE
SYSTEM
• A primary goal in the design and construction of
subsurface drainage systems is to remove non-capillary water
from the upper layers of the soil profile as quickly as possible
to ensure an adequately aerated root zone and trafficability for
critical field operations such as planting and harvesting.
 SLOPE
DRAINAGE
SURFACE

• Slope drains allow water to flow downward from a

structure with the aid of pipes moving down a slope. A
pipe is installed and anchored into a small incline,
which causes water to flow through the pipe and away
from the structure.
SLOPE • A pipe extending from the top to the bottom of
a cut or fill slope and discharging into a
DRAINAGE stabilized water course or a sediment trapping
device or onto a stabilization area. Used to
SYSTEM carry concentrated runoff down steep slopes
without causing gullies, channel erosion, or
saturation of slide-prone soils until permanent
water disposal measures can be installed. This
practice applies to construction areas where
storm water runoff above a cut or fill will cause
erosion if allowed to flow over the slope.
GRASSED WATERWAY

DOWNSPOUT
&GUTTER
SYSTEM
• Gutter systems consist of two parts: 1)
gutter channels that run horizontally along
the roof edge to collect runoff and 2) the
downspouts that carry the collected water
down to grade level. Gutters or other
drainage systems are needed in all but the
driest climates of the United States.
 DOWNSPOUT & GUTTER SYSTEM
• The design of gutter and downspout assemblies is an area of building design which demands special
attention. Leaking gutters and downspouts can cause serious damage to a building's interior as well as
exterior, and repairs can be expensive.

• Maintenance, durability and longevity are important factors to consider when designing gutters and
downspouts. Copper is an intelligent choice of materials because of its low maintenance, high resistance to
corrosion and long life. Even in severe climates such as marine atmospheres, a well designed copper gutter
and downspout assembly will provide many years of low maintenance service.

• Other metals used in gutter and downspout assemblies require frequent repainting or recoating to maintain
their durability. Copper is an inherently corrosion resistant material which does not require special coatings to
maintain its durability or its appearance.

• The ease with which a material can be joined to form a continuous, leak-free water conductor is also
important. Copper's inherent properties make it an easy material to form and solder. Thus, strong leak-proof
joints are readily achievable with copper.
 THANKS
FOR WATCHING
GROUP 7