The Evolution of Watertight Storm Drainage Systems

Watertight pipe and structures have historically only been considered with sanitary systems. The cost, however, of construction, maintenance, roadway safety and stream and groundwater contamination have united previous construction industry adversaries. Federal, state and municipal agencies, contractors, pipe and precast concrete producers, and design engineers all want watertight storm drainage systems. The reasons may vary but their overall goal in the same. Government agencies are having significant problems with non-point stream pollution, groundwater contamination, and de-watering of wet lands via leaking storm drainage systems. These agencies are starting to institute regulations to address these problems with possible ramifications on project designs. State DOT's and municipalities are implementing new specifications to address the effects of underground structural failures related to the leaking and piping of backfill materials through open. Contractor's, for their part, are also investigating the cost savings associated with quicker and lower priced watertight construction techniques. The final advocating group, the concrete precaster, is arguing for the benefit of a higher precast quality watertight product, over cast-in-place structures, with no additional cost to the owner. Specific examples from federal agencies, DOT's and cities indicate there is an evolution to watertight storm drainage systems. Financial arguments from the consulting engineer's, contractor's and precaster's point of view demonstrate an alternate reasoning for this requirement. It appears we are on the crest of a new design philosophy regarding storm drainage systems.