Storm Drainage Infrastructure Components

Storm drainage infrastructure is all around us. From the storm drains along our streets to thousands of miles of underground pipes, this system quietly moves rainwater through our community to reduce flood risks. Curious what it looks like? Here are some common components you might spot in your neighborhood.

Catch Basin on the side of the street.
 

Catch Basin

A catch basin collects runoff and directs it into underground storm drainage pipes. It typically has a grate on top to trap debris and prevent it from entering the pipes.

Two Curb Inlets on the side of the street.
 

Curb Inlet

A curb inlet is an opening built into a street curb that collects runoff and directs it into underground storm drainage pipes.

Pile of Concrete Pipes.
 

Concrete Pipe (Reinforced)

A reinforced concrete storm drainage pipe is a strong pipe made with concrete and steel.

Corrugated Metal Pipe
 

Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP)

A corrugated metal pipe is typically made from galvanized steel or aluminum. The pipe surface has repeating ridges and grooves.

Double Catch Basin
 

Double Catch Basin

A double catch basin collects runoff and directs it into underground storm drainage pipes. It has two connected basins with separate grates on top and is used in areas with greater drainage needs.

Drop Inlet
 

Drop Inlet

A drop inlet is a type of catch basin that collects runoff and directs it into underground storm drainage pipes. It is used to drain rainwater that collects in flat or low spots.

Elongated Throat
 

Elongated Throat

An elongated throat catch basin is a long opening built into a street curb. It collects runoff and directs it into underground storm drainage pipes, and is used along wider road sections with greater drainage needs.

End Wall with Wing Walls below grass.
 

Headwall with Wing Walls

A headwall with wing walls is a structure built at the end of a storm drainage pipe or culvert to help direct water flow and stabilize the surrounding soil.

Brick Head Wall with grass.
 

Headwall

A headwall is a structure built at the end of a storm drainage pipe or culvert to help anchor it in place and stabilize the surrounding soil.

A Manhole in the street.
 

Manhole

A manhole, also known as a maintenance hole, is an access point to underground storm drainage pipes. Workers use it to inspect, clean and maintain the storm drainage system.

Rip Rap placed along a steam.
 

Riprap

Riprap is a layer of rock placed along stream banks or storm drainage outfall to protect soil from being washed away.

Slab Top Inlet located in a grassy area.
 

Slab-top Inlet

A slab-top inlet is a flat-topped storm drain with side openings that collects runoff in low areas and directs it into underground storm drainage pipes.

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