The Increased Need for Smart Drainage Systems
Conventional storm drain systems are fine, but the time has come to shift to smart drainage systems. Here are some important reasons.
Urbanisation
Natural infiltration of water has reduced immensely due to climate change and increasing urbanisation and the spread of concrete pavements. This led to reduction of groundwater recharge.
Climate change
Climate change has led to unpredictable weather conditions, for example, heavy rainfall. Such changing conditions overwhelm normal storm drain systems, leading to floods, waterlogging and other issues
Traditional storm drain system
Normal systems cannot effectively deal with excess rain due to their deterioration. As they were designed ages ago and have not been upgraded, so their ability to accustom the ongoing urbanisation and climate change
Smart storm water drainage solutions
Smart cities are adopting storm water drainage solutions to minimize water logging and stormwater management, and they are experiencing better results.
Key Technologies in Smart Drainage & Stormwater Management
IoT Sensors & Real-Time Monitoring:
Application of smart sensors in drainage networks enables authorities to track water levels, flow rates, and obstructions.
This information is routed to a central control system, which assists in responding to any unexpected situations in real-time. Example: Flood sensors in Amsterdam alert before water levels become critical.
AI & Machine Learning for Predictive Maintenance:
AI models look at weather patterns and drainage efficiency to forecast potential flooding.
Machine learning algorithms assist in scheduling preventive maintenance for sewers and drains. Example: Singapore’s AI-based flood warning system assists in preparing for heavy rain.
Smart Drainage Infrastructure & Design:
- Permeable Pavements: Rain-permeable special surfaces that minimize runoff.
- Green Roofs & Rain Gardens: Filter and absorb rainwater, lessening the load on storm drain systems.
- Smart Canals & Waterways: Self-adjusting gates based on rainfall intensity. Example: Rotterdam’s “Water Squares” temporarily hold excess rainwater.
Automated & Self-Adjusting Drainage Systems:
- Smart Drainage Valves: Open and close depending on water flow and weather predictions.
- Robotic Drain Cleaners: Artificial intelligence-controlled robots detect and clear clogs. Example: Tokyo’s flood underground tunnels that automatically divert excess water.
Stormwater Harvesting & Recycling:
- Underground Storage Tanks: Capture and store rainwater for use.
- Smart Irrigation Systems: Utilize rainwater for green spaces, parks, and city cooling.
Example: Los Angeles’ Rainwater Capture Project mitigates storm water drainage solutions.
Advantages of Intelligent Drainage & Stormwater Management
- Prevents Flooding & Waterlogging
- Smart rainwater drainage solutions can handle excessive rain effectively.
- Improves Sustainability & Water Conservation
- Smart storm water drainage solutions reduce dependency on fresh water resources.
- Fosters Public Health & Sanitation
- Prevents water stagnation, thereby reducing the chance for water-borne illnesses.
- Reduces Infrastructure Damage & Emergency Repair Expenditure
- Prevents road erosions, sewer overflows, and costly emergency repairs.
- Improves Urban Climate Resilience
- Helps cities to adapt to extreme weather patterns like heavy storms and hurricanes.
Conclusion
Becoming aware of the advantages of smart rainwater drainage systems and understanding the consequences of traditional systems, allows us to see the bigger picture of stormwater management.
