Overflow

Conceptual diagram of the excess routing alternatives: On the left, excess flow leaves the cell via an overflow; on the right, excess flow is diverted so that only the design volume enters the cell.

Domed, metal overflow/outlet grate
Photo credit: Aaron Volkening

Routing

• Infiltration facilities can be designed to be inline or offline from the drainage system.
• Inline facilities accept all of the flow from a drainage area and convey larger event flows through an overflow outlet. The overflow must be sized to safely convey larger storm events out of the facility.

The invert of the overflow should be placed at the maximum water surface elevation of the bioretention area, (typically 150 - 250 mm above the surface).

• Offline facilities use flow splitters or bypass channels that only allow the required water quality storage volume to enter the facility.

Higher flows are diverted and do not enter the infiltration practice. A pipe can by used for this, but a weir or curb cut minimizes clogging and reduces the maintenance frequency.

Options

Feature	Anti Vandalism/Robust	Lower Cost Option	Self cleaning
Dome grate			x
Flat grate		x
Plastic grate		x
Metal grate	x
Catch basin	x
Ditch inlet catch basin	x		x
Curb cut	x	x	x

Refers to a system that accepts all of the flow from a drainage area and conveys larger event flows through an overflow outlet.

Refers to a system that when full, stormwater will bypass the practice. Offline systems use flow splitters or bypass channels that only allow the water quality volume to enter the facility. This may be achieved with a pipe, weir, or curb opening sized for the target flow, but in conjunction, create a bypass channel so that higher flows do not pass over the surface of the filter bed.

A system flow of gully inlets, pipes, overland flow paths, open channels, culverts and detention basins used to convey runoff to its receiving waters. City of Toronto 45 Wet Weather Flow Management November 2006

Refers to a system that accepts all of the flow from a drainage area and conveys larger event flows through an overflow outlet.

The total surface area upstream of a point on a stream that drains toward that point. Not to be confused with watershed. The drainage area may include one or more watersheds.

A shallow excavated surface depression containing prepared filter media, mulch, and planted with selected vegetation.

Refers to a system that when full, stormwater will bypass the practice. Offline systems use flow splitters or bypass channels that only allow the water quality volume to enter the facility. This may be achieved with a pipe, weir, or curb opening sized for the target flow, but in conjunction, create a bypass channel so that higher flows do not pass over the surface of the filter bed.

Ground depression acting as a flow control and water treatment structure, that is normally dry.

A long narrow trench or furrow dug in the ground, as for irrigation, drainage, or a boundary line.