Overland Flow Issues

There are 4 main points in solving stormwater or overland flow issues to prevent house flooding:

‐ Direct overland flow
Firstly the stormwater needs to be directed away from the building to prevent damage to building or footings. This can be done by using swales and banking to influence flow. Erosion is the key failure with this method, but can be controlled by using soil stabilising treatments such as dry creek bed, turfed areas or vegetated gardens using grasses and groundcovers to stabilise the soil.

‐ Control overland flow water
Using drainage pits will collect and control the stormwater. Once contained within subterranean pipes, the water can be directed and released without damage to the earth surface.

‐ Prevent drains clogging up
One of the biggest caused of storm damage from storm water is due to existing drains clogging up with leaves and debris. This can be reduced by planting heavy grasses around the collection pits to ‘filter’ the litter.

‐ Maintain aesthetic appeal
Through good design it is easily possible to maintain aesthetic appeal to these treatments without becoming an eyesore. Proper plant selection, creative concepts and full understanding of the issue and solution can develop a feature or focal point rather than just a means to an end.