Imeytyskentät

Imeytyskentät, also known as infiltration areas or soakaways, are underground structures designed to manage stormwater runoff. Their primary function is to allow rainwater, typically from impermeable surfaces like roofs, driveways, and paved areas, to slowly seep into the surrounding soil. This process helps to reduce the volume of surface water that enters conventional drainage systems, thereby mitigating the risk of flooding and easing the burden on wastewater treatment plants.

These structures are typically constructed by excavating a pit and filling it with permeable materials such as gravel, crushed stone, or geotextile fabric. The dimensions and design of an imeytyskenttä depend on factors like the expected volume of runoff, the soil's permeability, and local regulations. In many cases, a perforated pipe is laid within the gravel bed to distribute the incoming water evenly, maximizing the contact area with the soil.

The benefits of imeytyskentät extend beyond flood prevention. By allowing water to infiltrate the ground, they help to recharge groundwater aquifers, which is crucial for maintaining water table levels. Furthermore, the natural filtration process that occurs as water passes through the soil and gravel can remove pollutants, improving the quality of the water before it reaches groundwater or surface water bodies. They are a key component of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) and are increasingly being implemented in new developments and retrofitted into existing infrastructure.