The Dangers of Improper City Stormwater Drainage

As climate change drives more intense storms, cities are reevaluating their stormwater management practices. Without a robust stormwater drainage system, urban areas risk serious flooding, erosion, and pollution that can damage local businesses and public infrastructure. Read on to understand the dangers of inadequate stormwater management and what can be done to prevent them.

What Is Stormwater?

Stormwater refers to excess water that doesn’t naturally soak into the ground but instead flows over impervious surfaces like roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. This issue is especially common in cities where non-porous surfaces are abundant, leading to greater stormwater runoff during heavy rains.

Why Cities Need Effective Stormwater Drainage Systems

Without a comprehensive stormwater management system, cities face an increased risk of flooding, water pollution, and infrastructure damage. When rainwater can’t infiltrate the ground, it gathers on paved surfaces and rushes into storm drains, creating risks for urban water quality and quantity. Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants like trash, bacteria, and chemicals, impacting the health of water sources used by humans and wildlife.

The Impact of Poor Stormwater Drainage

One of the most severe consequences of inadequate stormwater drainage is urban flooding. Impervious surfaces in cities alter natural water flow, increasing the speed and volume of runoff, which can erode streambanks, flood streets, and cause property damage. Stormwater also picks up pollutants on these surfaces, like vehicle oil, animal waste, and pesticides, washing them into storm drains and potentially into drinking water sources – a serious public health risk linked to disease outbreaks.

Protecting Businesses and Public Health

Proper stormwater drainage is essential for protecting businesses from costly property damage due to flooding. With climate change contributing to more frequent storms, cities must adopt stormwater solutions to prevent these issues from escalating.

How iSTORMWATER Can Help Mitigate Stormwater Risks

There are solutions to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality. Property owners can limit impervious surfaces by choosing alternatives like gravel, mulch, or permeable pavers, which allow water to soak into the ground rather than run off. Cities can also adopt infrastructure upgrades such as rerouting stormwater to rain gardens or using permeable pavements that allow water to filter through to the ground below, reducing the risk of flash flooding and pollution.

If impervious surfaces are causing stormwater issues around your business, contact iSTORMWATER. We specialize in stormwater management solutions, including preventative maintenance and flood mitigation, to help you avoid costly damage and protect the environment.

Schedule Your Free Consultation with iSTORMWATER Today

Don’t wait for stormwater issues to become costly problems. Contact us today at iSTORMWATER to schedule a free consultation, or call (410) 231-3455 to learn more about our expert stormwater management services.