What Is Drainage Engineering? Why Is It Important for Palm Beach County Projects?

With the Atlantic Ocean to its east and glorious stretches of Florida’s famous Everglades within its borders, it’s no secret that Palm Beach County has plenty of water around. Considering that the county averages 61 inches of rainfall each year, it’s only natural to wonder how you manage that water so it doesn’t endanger your property. That’s where drainage engineering comes in. 

What Is Drainage Engineering?

Properly functioning drainage systems are rarely noticed, and they’re essential for a healthy, smoothly running society. Without these systems, the risk of flooding and contamination is severe. Civil engineers use their knowledge of physics, fluidity, math, construction, and other complex topics to design drainage systems that work effectively in various situations.

Where can you find carefully designed drainage systems at work? Numerous scenarios require a civil engineer to serve as a drainage engineer:

• Glass wall drainage analysis. Property owners and insurers alike want to know how well a home or business will fare in the face of a severe storm. A glass wall drainage analysis vets how it will stand up to a 100-year storm. It’s an ideal way to verify that your residential or commercial property is prepared. If corrections are needed during the test, you’ll have a chance to shore up your defenses before a severe storm strikes.
• Roadway and transportation construction and repair. Civil engineers are often part of the team when a new transportation project is underway. As roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects are completed, part of their task is ensuring that a proper drainage system is in place. This must comply with all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. It also prevents flooding and protects the environment from contaminants. Of course, these skills can also be used for private roads and parking areas.
• Wastewater. If sewage escapes into the environment, it can create a serious health hazard. While cities and towns have municipal sewer systems, residential and business properties outside of town limits rely on septic systems, which function as private wastewater systems. The wrong septic system won’t function well and creates risks for both people and the environment. A skilled civil engineer will carefully consider the immediate and surrounding area and the applicable regulations. Then, they’ll design an effective septic system.
• Stormwater and runoff. If water is creating problems on your property with awkward ponding, erosion, intrusion, or other issues, you may need to take steps to redirect the flow. A civil engineer can study the existing paths and determine an effective way to channel the water to a safer area so that it no longer endangers your property.

Why Is Drainage Engineering So Important?

Engineering that designs, installs, remodels, and maintains a solid drainage system is important. After all, water can cause immense harm when it’s not kept in check:

• Standing water can be a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects that carry diseases. It can also be contaminated with bacteria and pollutants.
• Water can cause structural damage to buildings. It can damage foundations, warp wood, and erode earth or stone.
• Water can destroy landscaping. Plants may be uprooted or killed by flood waters. Erosion can erase designs and cause features to collapse. Hardscaping may also be harmful.

DKK Consulting Incorporated provides a full array of civil engineering services to Palm Beach County and beyond. This includes all the services necessary for superior drainage engineering. Whether you’re eager to verify that your property is ready for the next big storm with a glass wall drainage analysis or in need of residential drainage design services or commercial drainage design services, our expert team is fully prepared to assist you. To discuss your project, reach out to DKK Consulting Incorporated today.