If you are an outsider to the area or a newcomer to the quaint Sussex town of Horsham, you might not immediately consider the subtleties of its advanced professional drainage system. However, understanding this part and parcel of modern living has become paramount to residents and visitors alike following Horsham’s unprecedented growth over the years. This post serves as an introductory guide to understanding drainage in Horsham, an indispensable part of the town’s infrastructure often overlooked by the uninitiated.
Horsham, set against the backdrop of the River Arun and its tributaries, has continually battled domestic and commercial drainage concerns. Over the years, it has successfully created an effective drainage system that’s vital in sustaining its cleanliness and beauty while preventing potential health issues originating from stagnant water or blocked drains.
Drainage systems in Horsham can generally be categorized into three: surface water drainage, drainage horsham sewer and lateral drains, and highway drainage.
1. Surface Water Drainage:
Surface water drainage systems capture and channel rainwater from roofs, driveways, gardens, and other surfaces towards local watercourses. This prevents standing water and thus, mitigating the risk of flooding. As a property owner, you are responsible for your surface water drainage. However, if your property was built after the early 1970s, the chances are that it connects to a separate surface water sewer directly, thus ensuring minimal intervention from your side.
2. Sewer and Lateral Drains:
Sewer drains take care of all the water and waste from your household appliances like sinks, toilets, washing machines, etc. Lateral drains are areas of the sewer system located outside the boundaries of a property, working in conjunction to handle the waste and wastewater disposal. In Horsham, Southern Water is generally responsible for public sewers and lateral drains. Regular maintenance is undertaken to ensure the smooth running of these systems and the minimization of blockages.
3. Highway Drainage:
Managed by the West Sussex County Council, the public highway drainage systems control the water flow along roads and sidewalks. Gullies or road drains play a key role in preventing road flooding, especially during bouts of heavy rainfall. Maintenance of these highway drainage systems is essential to ensure safe and efficient transportation within the town.
The effectiveness of a drainage system in Horsham is just as reliant on proactive residential and commercial property owners as it is on public bodies. While the authorities are responsible for maintaining the sewerage and highway drainage, individuals are responsible for their property’s drainage.
Hence, familiarising oneself with the drainage services like drain unblocking, cleaning, and maintenance becomes necessary. There are numerous reputable drainage companies in Horsham offering a comprehensive range of drainage services, helping keep Horsham’s drainage system in top condition.
In summary, understanding the intricacies of Horsham’s drainage system might seem complex at first, but it plays a fundamental role in the town’s public health and infrastructure. While Horsham authorities skilfully manage public sewers and highway drainage, awareness and responsibility from residents regarding their individual property’s drainage contribute substantially to the smooth operation of the overall system.
So, whether you are a new resident, a visiting outsider, or simply looking to deepen your understanding, this guide to Horsham’s drainage system should provide the insight you need. Indeed, effective drainage is a cooperative effort that benefits everyone in Horsham – residents and visiting outsiders alike.