Oceansafe™ is a storm water management system that not only eliminates urban runoff, but collects, stores, filters, and recharges local groundwater tables thereby saving municipalities thousands of acre feet of imported water.
How big of a problem is Urban Runoff?
Urban runoff is the main reason that 40% of the lakes, rivers, and streams in the United States are unsuitable for fishing and swimming (United States Environmental Protection Agency). Furthermore, urban runoff is not only a threat to local plants and animals, it is a physical threat to humans (Surfrider Foundation).
Please click Stormwater Runoff to learn more about urban runoff and its impact on our local watersheds.
What are the current solutions?
Currently, solutions vary across the United States in both approach and magnitude. One solution is the costly development and construction of water treatment plants such as the SMURRF plant in Santa Monica, CA and the Groundwater Replenishment System in Fountain Valley, CA.
Certain solutions include an attempt to handle the water onsite at the source. One of the most common methods is through the installation of porous paving (aka pervious paving, permeable paving, porous concrete). Porous paving consists of a no-fines concrete mix that creates a "rice-krispie"-type look to the concrete that allows the water to percolate into an aggregate field below the surface. However, porous paving has several drawbacks that are discussed throughout this site.
Other solutions include the construction of large storage retention and detention ponds. One of the main drawbacks of these methods is cost. The cost of both the piping systems and the land can be astronomical when compared to alternatives such as Oceansafe.
Please click Current Solutions to learn more about the current solutions to urban runoff.
What is Oceansafe™ and how is it a more economical solution?
In short, the Oceansafe™ system is an onsite stormwater management system that gathers, filters, stores, and allows the water to naturally percolate through the natural soil below. The Oceansafe™ system allows the water to naturally percolate through the soil below the surface the same way it has done for millions of years.
Please click What is Oceansafe to learn about the specifics of the Oceansafe™ system.
Stormwater Frequently Asked Questions
How much rain falls in a "typical" storm?
How much rain is directed to our local watersheds every year?
Please click Stormwater FAQ to learn the answers to these and many more questions about urban runoff.
