Rain water treatment and infiltration

The topic of rainwater treatment and infiltration is becoming increasingly important as climate change and urbanization significantly increase the load on our water systems. Heavy rain events are occurring more frequently, causing urban infrastructure to become overburdened, often resulting in flooding and uncontrolled runoff of polluted rainwater into rivers and lakes. This development poses numerous challenges for the protection of the environment, the population, and groundwater.

1. Climate change and heavy rain events
Climate change is leading to an increase in extreme weather events, including intense and frequent heavy rainfall. In urban areas, which are increasingly sealed, there is a lack of natural infiltration opportunities. Rainwater cannot infiltrate into the soil, but instead quickly runs off, causing flooding, erosion, and high levels of pollution in watercourses.

2. Protection of groundwater
Increasing sealing of the landscape impairs natural groundwater recharge, which can lead to water scarcity in the long term. Polluted rainwater that is discharged into the sewer system or directly into watercourses can damage groundwater because it is contaminated with pollutants such as oils, heavy metals, and chemicals.

3. Protection of the environment and the population
Polluted rainwater poses a high risk to the environment and human health because it absorbs pollutants from the air and from surfaces. These pollutants can then enter ecosystems when runoff is not properly managed, damaging biodiversity.

Various solutions for rainwater treatment and infiltration are available on the market. These solutions aim to clean the water and return it to the natural water cycle in as decentralized a manner as possible. The most common methods include:

1. Underground retention systems: underground cavity systems that temporarily store water and slowly release it into the ground to prevent flooding and promote groundwater recharge.

2. Filter channel systems: These systems filter pollutants out of the runoff water before it enters the sewer system or the groundwater.

3. Infiltration swales and ponds: These systems allow for the percolation and cleaning of water over a wide area before it enters the groundwater.

4. Tree swales: A combination of infiltration and tree planting systems that use rainwater to supply the vegetation and for infiltration.

With its products, MEA Group offers innovative and sustainable solutions for rainwater treatment and infiltration. The following MEA products are particularly effective in this field:

MEASTORM swale tunnel

The MEASTORM swale tunnel is an underground infiltration system that effectively stores rainwater and allows it to seep slowly into the ground. This system consists of modular, hollow elements that can be installed flexibly and have a high storage capacity. By storing and slowly releasing water, MEASTORM can reduce the risk of flooding and support groundwater recharge. MEASTORM is particularly suitable for large areas such as parking lots or commercial areas and helps to stabilize the water balance.

• Key benefits:
  • High storage capacity for the retention of heavy rainfall events
  • Modular design that allows for flexible installation
  • Supports groundwater recharge and reduces the burden on the sewer system
  • Low maintenance costs

MEACLEAN PRO filter channel system

MEACLEAN PRO is a filter channel system that effectively removes pollutants from runoff rainwater. It consists of a special filter structure that retains heavy metals, oils, and other pollutants. This prevents pollutants from entering the groundwater or surface waters. MEACLEAN PRO is ideal for heavily trafficked roads, parking lots, and other sealed surfaces that are heavily polluted.

• Key benefits:
  • DEffective removal of pollutants from rainwater
  • Protection of groundwater and surface waters
  • Sustainable solution to reduce environmental pollution
  • Suitable for use in urban and industrial areas

MEACLEAN PRO TREE – tree trenches

The MEACLEAN PRO TREE is an innovative solution developed specifically for greening urban spaces. This system combines the infiltration function with tree irrigation by directing rainwater into the root zone of trees. This not only promotes infiltration, but also improves the urban microclimate and strengthens biodiversity. MEACLEAN PRO TREE contributes to the creation of “sponge cities” where rainwater is used efficiently while supporting vegetation.

• Key benefits:
  • Dual function for rainwater infiltration and tree irrigation
  • Promotes biodiversity and improves the urban climate
  • Contributes to the “sponge city” concept and natural water retention
  • Reduction of surface runoff and environmental pollution

MEA’s solutions make a decisive contribution to protecting the environment, the population, and groundwater:

• Protection of groundwater: MEACLEAN PRO systems protect groundwater from pollution by filtering and retaining pollutants. Pollutants are not released into the environment but are retained in a controlled manner or rendered harmless.
• Protecting the population and infrastructure: MEASTORM reduces the risk of flooding that can be caused by overburdened drainage systems. At the same time, MEACLEAN PRO enables clean rainwater drainage, which is particularly important in populated areas.
• Promoting biodiversity and the urban microclimate: MEACLEAN PRO TREE supports tree planting in urban areas and contributes to greening and climate improvement. The combination of rainwater management and greening creates a sustainable and livable urban environment.

Stormwater treatment and infiltration are central building blocks for the sustainable management of water and the protection of our ecosystems. MEA Group products such as MEASTORM, MEACLEAN PRO and MEACLEAN PRO TREE provide efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solutions for the challenges of modern stormwater management. They not only help to reduce flooding and pollution but also promote groundwater recharge and biodiversity in urban areas.