New stormwater design diverts pollution, improves urban road water quality.
The researchers tested a new design for stormwater capture on urban roads using low flow bypass pits. These pits divert small flows to a water-sensitive urban facility while still capturing large flows during heavy rain. By moving stormwater inlets off the road surface, pollutants and debris can be directed to a treatment facility, improving water quality. The physical testing showed that this design can effectively manage different flow rates and conditions, offering a promising solution for reducing environmental impacts of stormwater runoff.