Rainwater treatment and infiltration

The need for effective rainwater treatment and infiltration is increasingly critical as climate change and urbanisation place additional pressures on our water systems. Heavy rainfall events are becoming more frequent, causing urban infrastructure to be overwhelmed and often resulting in flooding and the uncontrolled discharge of polluted rainwater into rivers and lakes. These trends pose serious challenges for environmental protection, public health, and groundwater safety.

Climate Change and Heavy Rainfall Events
Climate change is driving an increase in extreme weather, including more frequent and intense heavy rainfall. In increasingly built-up urban areas, where surfaces are sealed, there are fewer natural infiltration opportunities. Rainwater runs off rapidly, unable to penetrate the soil, which leads to flooding, erosion, and significant waterway pollution.

Groundwater Protection
Widespread sealing of landscapes disrupts natural groundwater recharge, which can lead to water scarcity in the long term. Polluted rainwater that flows into drainage systems or directly into rivers and streams risks contaminating groundwater with pollutants such as oils, heavy metals, and chemicals.

Environmental and Public Health Protection
Polluted rainwater poses a serious risk to ecosystems and human health as it collects pollutants from the air and surfaces it encounters. Without proper control, these contaminants can enter ecosystems and damage biodiversity.

Various solutions exist on the market to treat and infiltrate rainwater. These approaches focus on cleaning water and reintroducing it into the natural water cycle as locally as possible. The most common methods include:

• Underground Retention Systems: These underground cavity systems temporarily store water and release it slowly into the ground, helping to prevent flooding and support groundwater recharge.
• Filter Channel Systems: These systems filter pollutants from runoff before it reaches drainage systems or the groundwater.
• Infiltration Swales and Ponds: These installations allow rainwater to percolate and be cleaned over a broad area before it reaches the groundwater.
• Tree Swales: Combining infiltration with urban tree planting, these systems utilize rainwater to nourish vegetation while facilitating infiltration.

MEA Group offers innovative and sustainable solutions for rainwater treatment and infiltration. The following MEA products are particularly effective:

MEASTORM Swale Tunnel

The MEASTORM Swale Tunnel is an underground infiltration system designed to store rainwater and release it gradually into the ground. Built from modular, hollow components, it has a high storage capacity and is easily adaptable to various installation needs. MEASTORM reduces flood risks and supports groundwater recharge, making it ideal for large spaces like car parks or commercial areas, where it helps to maintain water balance.

Key Benefits:

• High storage capacity for managing heavy rain events
• Modular design allowing flexible installation
• Supports groundwater recharge, easing pressure on drainage systems
• Low maintenance costs

MEACLEAN PRO Filter Channel System

MEACLEAN PRO is a filter channel system designed to remove pollutants from rainwater runoff. The system’s specialised filter structure retains heavy metals, oils, and other contaminants, preventing them from entering groundwater or surface waters. MEACLEAN PRO is ideal for areas with high traffic, such as roads, car parks, and other sealed surfaces prone to pollution.

Key Benefits:

• Effective pollutant removal from rainwater
• Groundwater and surface water protection
• Sustainable approach to reducing environmental pollution
• Suitable for urban and industrial environments

MEACLEAN PRO TREE – Tree Trenches

MEACLEAN PRO TREE is an innovative solution designed to green urban spaces by combining rainwater infiltration with tree irrigation. This system channels rainwater to tree root zones, promoting both infiltration and healthier urban vegetation. MEACLEAN PRO TREE supports the “sponge city” concept, in which rainwater is retained and used to nurture city greenery, enhancing biodiversity.

Key Benefits:

• Dual function for rainwater infiltration and tree irrigation
• Supports biodiversity and improves the urban microclimate
• Contributes to “sponge city” initiatives and natural water retention
• Reduces surface runoff and environmental pollution

MEA’s solutions play a crucial role in safeguarding the environment, public health, and groundwater resources:

• Groundwater Protection: MEACLEAN PRO systems help protect groundwater by filtering and retaining pollutants. Rather than being released into the environment, contaminants are safely contained or neutralised.
• Protection for Communities and Infrastructure: MEASTORM lowers the risk of flooding that can result from overloaded drainage systems, while MEACLEAN PRO enables the safe discharge of clean rainwater, essential in populated areas.
• Support for Biodiversity and the Urban Microclimate: MEACLEAN PRO TREE fosters urban tree planting, greening, and climate enhancement. Integrating rainwater management with greening creates more sustainable and livable urban spaces.

Rainwater treatment and infiltration are central to sustainable water management and ecosystem protection. MEA Group’s solutions, including MEASTORM, MEACLEAN PRO, and MEACLEAN PRO TREE, provide efficient, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective answers to modern stormwater management challenges. These systems not only help reduce flooding and pollution but also promote groundwater recharge and biodiversity in urban settings.