What type of pre-treatment can be used before stormwater infiltration?

Grass filter strips are an effective form of pre-treatment used before stormwater infiltration because they enhance the quality of runoff before it enters the infiltration system. These strips are usually vegetated areas that slow down stormwater flow, allowing sediment and pollutants to settle out and be absorbed by the plants. The root systems of the grasses also help to stabilize the soil, reducing erosion and further filtering out contaminants.

By using grass filter strips, not only is the quantity of stormwater managed, but the quality is improved as well. The vegetation aids in the biological treatment of the runoff, fostering a natural filtration process that contributes to better overall water quality upon infiltration. This makes them particularly valuable in stormwater management practices.

Other examples of pre-treatment methods may not effectively address both runoff quantity and quality in the way that grass filter strips do.