Future-oriented handling of water
They are becoming increasingly common: heavy downpours, but also periods of extreme drought. Climate change poses major challenges for municipalities, especially those in urban areas with a lot of hard surfaces. In the case of heavy downpours, so much rain falls over a short period that the sewer system cannot handle the quantities. As a result, streets can become flooded, and homes and buildings can suffer water damage. During dry periods, however, we are increasingly struggling with a shortage of water. In order to anticipate the future, we therefore need to handle rainwater intelligently.
How can Rockflow help here? This smart water management system solves local bottlenecks, for example by upgrading an existing swale with stone wool elements. The water channels can thereby become shallower without compromising the rainwater-buffering capacity. This creates a safer situation, and makes maintenance easier and cheaper.
But the effects of climate change are profound, and we are already seeing this. Ultimately, a sustainable total solution for a larger area is preferable. Rockflow also provides opportunities here. For example, Rockflow can be used as a line infiltration, replacing the traditional rainwater drainage pipe with a Rockflow buffer over the entire length of a road. The buffer collects the water, which is then slowly buffered to the soil or to the sewer or the surface water, depending on the applicable laws and regulations.
Practical example: Horst aan de Maas
Heat stress, extreme drought and heavy rain showers are current themes in the Limburg municipality of Horst aan de Maas. In order to prevent flooding in landfills, and strong heat and dehydration in the summer, the municipality decided to transform the urbanised area in the village centre into an open and green area. This project was carried out in an innovative construction team setting, in which the parties involved shared their knowledge and experience, and used these to redevelop the area. Together, they came up with a design for the green space of the area, in which Rockflow was used as a total solution to collect, hold and re-use rainwater in the planted areas.
Practical example: School playground in The Hague
Enough thought was not given to the outdoor area in an earlier renovation of a primary school in The Hague in 2004. The playground surface was sealed with traditional concrete tiles. In the summer, however, the playground quickly became too hot, because the sun heated up the tiles. And if it rained hard? This left standing water on the playground. It was recently decided to renovate the school playground, with de-stoning and greening as the dominant themes. As an addition to planted areas, Rockflow underground water storage was used. The capacity of 75 m3 is more than sufficient to store the water quickly during peak showers, and to then infiltrate it. In this way, the system contributes to better water management in the immediate vicinity.
Like to know more about other projects where Rockflow has been applied? Read through our case studies, and discover what Rockflow can do.
About Rockflow
As climate adaptation issues become increasingly complex, so does the diversity of solutions. Rockflow takes an active part in construction teams, and is happy to help you find a sustainable solution to your question. We can store, transport, infiltrate and re-use water. Like to know how Rockflow can be applied to your project? Ask us, we are happy to help!
