Surface water is the water found in rivers, lakes and wetlands.  In many cases surface water is a valuable water resource, in which case it requires protection.

Surface water can also refer to puddles and floods – any water on or in the ground’s surface.  In these cases surface water is often too sporadic or polluted for economic use.  It may result in nuisance or harm.

Surface Water Treatment

Surface water treatment varies widely depending on the surface water source.  Higher levels of treatment or monitoring are generally required to mitigate the increased threat of contamination compared with groundwaters.

Additionally some rivers are considered “flashy”.  This means that they experience times of sudden increased flow (often after heavy rainfall) which results in increased turbidity.  Heavy rainfall can also result in higher contaminant runoff from land.

Lakes and reservoirs generally avoid flash turbidity events, but can be subject to algal blooms.  As well as blinding filters (rapidly coating the surface so water can’t pass) some algae have toxic metabolites.  Algal control (through shading, depth, recirculation, and chemical means) is therefore a significant consideration with surface reservoirs.

If we can help with your surface water treatment, please do get in touch.

Surface Water Management

Surface water and storm water management generally deals with excess flow events in which water courses, drains and sewers are overwhelmed, leading to flooding events.

SUDS

SUDS or Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems aim to manage urban surface runoff in a more more sustainable manner than the traditional approach of running it to a water course through pipes and culverts.

If we can be of help with your SUDS or Surface Water Management strategy, please contact us.