HIGH-CAPACITY FLOOD PROTECTION AND RAINWATER REUSE

Attenuation systems are vital for effective stormwater management. Robust plastic crates or large-diameter pipes are linked together to create vast retention and attenuation tanks that are installed entirely underground. To ensure safe long-term storage, the pipes are interconnected, and the crates are encased in a watertight foil. From here, the rainwater can be safely discharged to public networks or reused for non-potable applications during droughts.

While infiltration and attenuation systems are made from similar components, they serve different functions depending on the needs of the user:

Attenuation systems are large underground storage tanks that detain and retain rainwater. Stormbox crates or large-diameter pipes are connected to create an extensive underground sealed tank. This dedicated storage not only prevents flooding and overflows but creates a reservoir of reusable water for non-potable applications, such as bathroom facilities, car washing, irrigation or firefighting.

Infiltration systems are similar in design, but instead of retaining collected rainwater, they enable its gradual infiltration into the ground. Stormbox crates are encased in a water-permeable geotextile which prevents soil from entering the system, but freely allows water to pass into the soil. The system provides underground space for excess rainfall to accumulate until the surrounding soil is ready to accept it.
 

In many cases, infiltration and attenuation systems can work together to create a comprehensive and sustainable water management solution that provides both flood protection and drought relief.

Important aspects such as soil characteristics, the location of your property, and local vulnerabilities to floods or droughts can determine the type of system you require. Consult our experts to understand which system best suits your needs.

Those in sealed urban environments or remote areas without access to public networks will benefit most from an infiltration system.

In the urban context, infiltration systems allow for the completion of natural water cycles despite surface sealing. This helps to establish hydraulic invariance, maintaining groundwater resources and avoiding subsistence.

In remote locations that lack access to public networks or water bodies, infiltration systems provide a safe and controlled way to drain excess water directly into the soil.

Alternatively, attenuation systems will be preferable for areas that experience droughts and/or have impenetrable soils. 

For example, clay can prevent water from successfully infiltrating through the soil. Therefore, an attenuation system that stores rainwater for controlled discharge into public networks will be better suited to this environment.

Similarly, if your property is located in an area that is vulnerable to water shortages, having a store of reusable rainwater for non-potable applications, such as irrigation and bathroom facilities, can be particularly advantageous.

When heavy rainfall or snow melting occurs, public stormwater and sewerage systems can quickly become overcharged as such significant quantities of water enter the system over a short period of time. This often results in these systems overflowing, which can lead to flooding and the uncontrolled movement of polluted water. This has devastating effects on the environment and local water sources.

Attenuation systems minimize this problem by providing dedicated underground storage for excess rainfall or meltwater. They also reduce the water flow rate into the network, which alleviates pressure on public systems and reduces the likelihood of overflows.

Beyond this, attenuation systems allow users to engage in the sustainable practice of rainwater harvesting and reuse. Retained rainwater can be stored for non-potable applications during droughts, such as lawn irrigation or bathroom facilities, and conserves valuable drinking water resources. 

We offer a comprehensive consultation service with our design team to ensure your system is perfectly aligned with the needs of your property. By analyzing flood-risk calculation software, weather data and soil characteristics, we ensure your setup is optimized for the local environment as well as surrounding infrastructure.

This service is particularly advantageous for multi-unit projects as we can configure your setup into a single solution working for all properties and avoid the extra cost and space associated with separate system installations.

We facilitate effortless maintenance with unique crate designs that ensure easy access for cleaning and inspection. Stormbox II facilitates faster maintenance with an innovative wall design that enables high-pressure cleaning without damaging the foil casing.

Our smart level sensor allows you to monitor water levels inside the tank and take preventative measures to avoid overflows. You can also predict expected rainfall quantities with integrated weather data analysis via the Pipelife SmartHub.

Pipelife attenuation systems are manufactured from high-quality raw materials to endure with minimal maintenance. Systems in highly trafficked areas will last at least 50 years, while those experiencing lighter loads will last even longer. 

Pipelife attenuation systems are competitively priced. They are all-encompassing solutions tailored to your project requirements, and the price varies accordingly. Please get in touch with your local Pipelife partner for a detailed offer.

Our attenuation systems can be bought directly from your local Pipelife partner. We are present in over 20 European countries, all of whom will be happy to answer any of your purchasing inquiries. For more details, see the list of our operating countries at the bottom of the page.