Most people never think about the infrastructure beneath their feet – the sewer lines, water mains and stormwater drains – until something goes wrong. But these hidden systems are the lifeblood of our cities, and when they fail, the consequences can be catastrophic. With a shift in the global climate, it’s more important than ever to invest in strong underground water infrastructure. Here’s why.
The importance of sewer lines
Sewer lines are one of the most important – and often overlooked – pieces of infrastructure in our cities. They transport wastewater from our homes and businesses to treatment plants, where it is cleaned and returned to the environment. Without functioning sewer lines, our streets would be polluted with sewage, leading to an increase in disease rates.
Sewerage infrastructure is critical for public health as it helps to prevent the spread of diseases like cholera and typhoid. Problems arise when sewer lines and treatment plants are not properly maintained. This can result in sewage spills, which can contaminate drinking water supplies and cause serious health problems. Consequently, proper maintenance of sewer lines and treatment plants is essential to protecting public health.
The importance of water mains
Water mains are the pipes that transport clean water from treatment plants to our homes and businesses. They, like sewer lines, are frequently taken for granted – until they fail. In Australia, water mains are typically made of iron, steel, PVC or concrete. They can deteriorate over time due to a variety of factors such as corrosion, ground movements, changes in water pressure and temperature fluctuations. When this happens, they can leak or even burst, causing significant property damage and disrupting the water supply.
Water main breaks are not only costly and inconvenient; they can also pose a serious health risk. Contaminated water can seep into homes and businesses, exposing residents and workers to harmful bacteria and other pollutants. In some cases, water main breaks can also result in sinkholes, which can be a serious safety hazard. As a result, proper maintenance of water mains is critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of both public and private property.
The importance of storm water infrastructure
Australia is well-known for its severe weather events, which can put a significant strain on storm water infrastructure. Storm water infrastructure is an important component of the built environment as it helps to manage runoff from rainfall and other weather events. Without it, roads, footpaths, parking lots and other paved areas would quickly flood, posing a serious safety hazard.
Storm water infrastructure not only manages runoff but also protects against erosion and landslides. Heavy rain runoff can cause serious erosion, especially on steep slopes. In urban areas, this can cause damage to roads, sidewalks and buildings. Storm water infrastructure helps to reduce the risk of erosion by managing runoff flow and preventing it from concentrating in certain areas.
Consequently, the ongoing maintenance of water infrastructure is essential to ensure that it continues to function properly. AWD Civil is an Australian civil construction company that works with a variety of clients, including local governments and private developers. Our team has the knowledge and experience to design and build a wide range of water infrastructure solutions. We are dedicated to assisting our clients in creating a better future for our communities and the environment. Call us at (07) 3200 5766 to learn more about our products and services.