Dewatering 101 For New Construction

Posted on: 1 September 2017

If you're planning new construction on a plot of land with a high water table, you'll want to talk with your construction contractors about the benefits of dewatering. The dewatering process can help you to minimize the risk of erosion, which protects the structural integrity of the building. One of the biggest decisions you need to make about your dewatering design is the discharge path. Here are some things you should consider when you choose the discharge area:

Evaluate The Location Of The Slopes

It's important to mark where the slopes are on the property. You don't want to pump water directly into slopes because that can contribute to erosion when the water runs down into the low-lying area. It can also cause pooling, which can be damaging to the soil.

Consider The Water Table

When you're trying to decide what type of dewatering and drainage you want to use, give careful consideration to the water table. You need to be sure that you're not going to disrupt the existing water table. For example, if there's a lot of water near ground level, you can't use shallow below-ground drainage channels, because they can be overwhelmed by the existing water.

Look For Wooded Areas

Direct the drainage to wooded areas whenever possible. The wooded buffer helps to provide not only filtration and moderation of the water volume but also helps to direct the water to tree roots, nourishing the existing growth that's in the area. This maximizes the use of the water through redirection.

Make Sure The Channels Are Protected

When you run the channels for drainage, make sure they are strong, stable, and protected by a layer of grass or other growth. This helps to protect the channel from damage, erosion, and other weathering.

Check The Condition Of The Water

Make sure that the water you're discharging is clean. Don't discharge water that contains any chemicals, grease, oils, or other contaminants. If the water has anything like this in it, you'll need to install a separator to clear things out. You may also need to seek additional permits to discharge water like this, so check with the local contractors and authorities.

Be Selective About Your Timing

Don't discharge water when you're dealing with heavy rains. The excess rainwater can lead to discharge problems and may actually interfere with the water table, drainage, and soil stability. It will lead to slow water discharge as well. Discontinue your dewatering if you see any signs of erosion or stability issues.

Contact a company like Hydrograss Technologies for more information and assistance. 

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