Thursday, 30 January 2025 Knowledge Articles
Effective Solutions for Managing Impermeable Surface Issues
Urban areas are increasingly covered by impermeable surfaces like concrete and asphalt, which prevent water infiltration and cause environmental and infrastructural problems. Innovative solutions, such as dual-purpose water tanks, are crucial for enhancing water management and promoting sustainability.
In today's rapidly urbanising world, impermeable surfaces such as concrete and asphalt are becoming increasingly prevalent. These surfaces prevent water from naturally infiltrating the ground, leading to various environmental and infrastructural issues. Dual purpose water tanks offer an effective solution to mitigate these problems by providing efficient site coverage and water management.
Understanding Impermeable Surface Issues
Impermeable surfaces are non-porous materials that do not allow water to pass through. Common examples include roads, parking lots, and rooftops. The proliferation of these surfaces can lead to several issues:
- Increased Runoff: Water that cannot infiltrate the ground becomes surface runoff, which can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flooding.
- Reduced Groundwater Recharge: Impermeable surfaces prevent the natural replenishment of groundwater, leading to lower water tables and potential water shortages.
- Pollution: Runoff from impermeable surfaces can carry pollutants such as oil, chemicals, and debris into water bodies, degrading water quality.
One of the most innovative and sustainable solutions to impermeable surface issues is the use of dual-purpose water tanks. These tanks are designed to serve both as stormwater detention and rainwater retention devices, allowing homeowners to capture and reuse water for various purposes, such as laundry, toilet flushing, or irrigation. Dual purpose water tanks not only reduce the amount of runoff that enters the stormwater network, but also decrease the demand for potable water from the mains supply. This way, dual purpose water tanks conserve water resources, ease the pressure on infrastructure, and lower water bills.
For developers in areas with SMAF (Stormwater Management Area - Flow) controls, dual-purpose water tanks are an ideal option to comply with the stormwater mitigation requirements. SMAF controls aim to reduce the peak flow and total volume of runoff from new developments or redevelopments, to protect downstream properties and waterways from flooding and erosion.
Dual-purpose water tanks can meet the SMAF controls by providing both detention and retention functions in a single tank. Detention means that the tank temporarily stores excess stormwater and releases it at a controlled rate, while retention means that the tank permanently stores a portion of rainwater for reuse. By installing a dual-purpose water tank, developers can satisfy the council regulations with confidence.
Promax is a leading provider of dual-purpose water tanks in New Zealand, offering high-quality products that meet the specifications and requirements of different councils and regions. Promax can help you design a dual-purpose water system that suits your needs and budget.
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Get in touch with Promax for a custom water solution.