A stormwater valve is a device that regulates and redirects water flows in drainage systems. They are particularly useful for controlling runoff from streets, roofs and other areas that cannot be treated by conventional drainage methods.
They are a vital part of integrated water management plans that prevent problems from occurring in the first place. They also play a major role in managing the impact of flooding, especially when used as flood control devices for seafront properties and other vulnerable locations.
Backwater Protection
Using backwater control valves can save you thousands of dollars in sewage cleaning and restoration costs. They prevent wastewater from flowing back into your home or business’s sewage system when a backup occurs, as well as protecting your property and landscaping from flooding and standing water damage.
Check Valve
There are a wide variety of check valves to choose from, but most are designed for use in sewage and stormwater applications. These valves stop the flow of water from the sewer or Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) when it exceeds the set pressure level. They are also widely used for controlling odours and for flood control.
In Charleston, the City has installed over 22 new in-line check valves to help manage tidal inundation from the Battery, and has plans for more. They have also enacted a check valve reimbursement program to encourage homeowners in low-lying areas to invest in these devices.
Tidal Flooding and Backflow Prevention
As coastal floods become more frequent in the future, it’s important to find effective ways to control them. The City of Charleston, for example, has invested over $1 million in new check valves to alleviate coastal flooding from stormwater pipes in West Ashley and James Island.
These new check valves work by preventing water from backing up into the piping during high tide. This allows the outfall to drain when the tide recedes and enables the piping to handle normal stormwater valve flows during the rest of the day.
The check valves are an effective solution for tidal flooding and can be easily retrofitted into existing infrastructure. The installation process is relatively simple and requires no modification to the pipework or structure.
Vortex Valves
A new type of water management device that’s been gaining momentum is the vortex valve, which can be installed as an inlet control or as an outlet control. The device’s shape allows it to regulate flow into drainage systems and thereby prevent excess wet-weather flows from entering the sewer network.
Among other applications, they are being used in Ottawa, Canada to regulate runoff that enters the sewer system during intense storms. The city is installing about 1,000 vortex valve units around the city, phased in over the next two years.
In addition, the valves can be used to reduce water pollution in natural waters by regulating runoff and directing it in a more natural manner, rather than sending it downstream. Across the world, governments are investing more and more in flow control devices to protect human health and the environment from the negative effects of excess wet-weather water.