A filter drain is essentially a gravel-filled trench designed to collect, move, and treat water runoff. According to provided information, these drains play a vital role in managing water and pollution.
Key Characteristics of Filter Drains:
- Construction: The drain consists of a trench filled with free-draining gravel.
- Water Collection: They collect surface water runoff.
- Water Movement: They move collected water away from the source.
- Pollution Treatment: They offer a level of treatment for pollutants within the water.
- Piping: Often, a perforated pipe is placed at the bottom of the trench to facilitate water collection and drainage.
Applications:
Filter drains are commonly used in various applications, including:
- Road Drainage: They are frequently seen along the edges of main roads to drain surface water.
How Filter Drains Work:
The gravel within the trench acts as a filter, removing some pollutants as the water percolates through it. The perforated pipe at the bottom allows for efficient collection and conveyance of the filtered water to a suitable discharge point.
In summary, a filter drain is a simple yet effective sustainable drainage system (SuDS) component that uses gravel and, often, a perforated pipe to manage water runoff and reduce pollution.
