We all know that is true, but a reminder never hurts. I’ve worked for decades with a variety of construction product manufacturers and only realized in recent years the true value of expanding competition. Historically, companies worked to get an advantage in specifications with minor inclusions (I remember one being the color of the stripe on the pipe as being critical!). Proactively working to consider and include every legitimate product in designs and specifications, however, has proven to be the best path.

Before I started my career at Contech, I used to joke that I was the tour manager for Guns N’ Roses. In this completely fictional version of events, however, I actually was!

High groundwater can significantly influence the design of underground detention and infiltration systems. It can limit available storage depth, affect infiltration feasibility, create buoyancy concerns, and complicate installation. Identifying groundwater conditions early in the design process can help engineers avoid costly redesigns and determine whether detention, infiltration, or a combination of the two is appropriate for the site.

Infiltration systems can be an effective way to manage stormwater, reduce runoff, and support groundwater recharge. But like any stormwater BMP, they need to be protected if they are expected to perform over the long term. That is where pretreatment comes in. Pretreatment removes trash, sediment, debris, and other pollutants before runoff enters an infiltration system. This can help extend the life of the system, simplify maintenance, reduce long-term liability, and support local stormwater compliance requirements.