Stormwater management in an era of growing climate change and continued urbanization, is the focal point of this technical presentation, which underscores the continued trend in choosing watertight, testable storm sewer joints over conventional soil-tight or untested alternatives. Although historically favored for their simplicity and lower upfront costs, soil-tight…or even worse…untested joints increasingly fall short in meeting the demands of contemporary stormwater management. This presentation clarifies the various advantages of embracing watertight joints. Firstly, they bolster resilience by staunchly preventing infiltration and inflow, averting overflows, local flooding, and erosion during intense rainfalls. Second, watertight joints curtail the risk of contamination by impeding the infiltration of groundwater and pollutants into the stormwater system, concurrently improving water quality and mitigating the need for downstream treatment measures. Third, these joints translate into long-term cost savings, offsetting initial installation expenses with reduced maintenance costs and decreased risk of joint deterioration and system failures. Furthermore, they facilitate compliance with evolving regulatory standards, enhancing organizational adherence and mitigating potential legal and environmental liabilities. Finally, watertight joints underscore commitment to resilience and sustainability by promoting efficient stormwater management and safeguarding local ecosystems from deleterious stormwater runoff impacts. Complemented by case studies, empirical data, and practical insights, this presentation equips stakeholders with a holistic understanding of watertight storm sewer joints, fostering informed decisions that ensure stormwater infrastructure resilience and sustainability. In conclusion, their adoption not only shores up urban defenses against climate volatility but also paves the path toward greener, more efficient stormwater drainage systems.
