“Underground drainage refers to a system of pipes, channels, and structures that are installed beneath the ground to collect and transport wastewater, stormwater, and other forms of liquid waste away from residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The primary purpose of underground drainage is to remove excess water and prevent flooding, as well as to transport sewage and wastewater to treatment facilities.
The underground drainage system typically consists of the following components:
Sewer pipes: These are the main conduits that carry wastewater and sewage from various sources to the treatment plants or discharge points. They are usually made of materials like PVC, concrete, or vitrified clay.
Manholes: These are access points designed to allow maintenance personnel to enter the sewer system for inspection, cleaning, and repairs. Manholes are usually placed at strategic locations along the sewer line.
Gullies: Gullies are surface-level openings connected to the sewer system. They are installed at ground level to collect rainwater and surface runoff and direct it into the underground pipes.
Stormwater drains: These are a part of the underground drainage system that handles rainwater and surface runoff from streets, roads, and other impermeable surfaces to prevent flooding.
Wastewater treatment plants: In some cases, the underground drainage system may connect to wastewater treatment plants where sewage and wastewater undergo treatment before being discharged into natural water bodies or reused for other purposes.
How underground drainage connects to other systems:
Sewage network: The underground drainage system connects to the sewage network, which collects wastewater from various residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The sewage network and the underground drainage system often have separate pipes to manage different types of wastewater.
Stormwater system: The underground drainage system also connects to the stormwater system, which handles rainwater and surface runoff. Stormwater is collected through gullies and other surface-level openings and directed into the underground drainage pipes or separate stormwater drains.
Wastewater treatment plants: Some underground drainage systems are designed to transport sewage to wastewater treatment plants. These treatment plants process the sewage to remove contaminants before discharging the treated water into rivers or oceans.
It’s essential to have a well-designed and properly maintained underground drainage system to ensure the efficient removal of wastewater and stormwater. This helps to prevent waterlogging, flooding, and the spread of waterborne diseases. Additionally, proper connections to sewage networks and treatment plants help protect the environment by reducing pollution and preserving water quality in natural water bodies.”