Quick Links

Suggested Links

No Results Found...

Infiltration

Rainwater Infiltration

Rainwater management is becoming increasingly important as urban development puts pressure on local drainage and sewer networks. In the past, excess rainwater was typically discharged directly into the sewer system. Today, best practice is to allow rainwater to infiltrate naturally on-site.

This approach supports sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) by reducing the risk of local flooding, relieving pressure on public sewer infrastructure, and helping to recharge groundwater supplies. By managing rainwater where it falls, landowners and developers can also improve soil health and protect water quality.

The goal is to replicate near-natural rainwater infiltration processes through progressive water management solutions. This not only reduces flood risk but also supports long-term water sustainability across residential, commercial, and public developments.

On this page Challenges Requirements for the infiltration Infiltration solutions Combining infiltration & treatment systems Product Finder Application areas More core competences

Challenges for rainwater infiltration

One of the biggest challenges for effective rainwater infiltration is the high level of urban development. As more residential and commercial areas are sealed with concrete, tarmac, and other impermeable surfaces, natural infiltration into the ground becomes increasingly difficult.

Without proper on-site solutions, rainfall is forced into the sewer system, contributing to localised flooding, sewer overflows, and increased pressure on water infrastructure. This also prevents vital groundwater recharge, reducing long-term water sustainability.

By incorporating sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and decentralised rainwater management solutions, it is possible to counteract these problems. On-site infiltration not only relieves the burden on sewer networks but also helps to manage surface water more effectively, protect local watercourses, and maintain a healthy natural water cycle.

Impact of Land Sealing

Urbanisation and widespread use of hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and tarmac reduce the soil’s ability to naturally absorb rainwater. This problem is worsened during Summer when urban heat islands develop, leading to higher flood risks and reduced groundwater recharge.

Withstanding Heavy Loads

Infiltration systems installed in public spaces, commercial areas, or industrial sites must be designed to handle constant heavy traffic and high load-bearing requirements.

Rising Rainfall Runoff Volumes

Heavy rainfall events overload the sewers and drainage systems.

Pollutants in Stormwater Runoff

Before infiltration, rainwater often needs treatment to prevent contaminants from entering groundwater. Substances such as oil, petrol, tyre wear, and road debris can be effectively filtered using surface water treatment channels or filter systems.

Soil Suitability and Infiltration Capacity

The efficiency of infiltration depends on soil permeability. The Kf value determines how well water can infiltrate through soil layers. A soil analysis by an expert is recommended to assess infiltration capacity before installing a system.

Requirements for Rainwater Infiltration Systems

The performance requirements for infiltration systems vary depending on where they are installed. Whether in residential gardens, commercial developments, or heavily trafficked industrial yards. In the UK, where sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) are essential for flood prevention and water management, infiltration elements provide a reliable, space-saving and cost-effective solution for long-term rainwater control.

Safety and Reliability

Infiltration systems must remain safe and fully operational even under heavy rainfall or high-traffic conditions. Long-term durability and consistent performance are key to ensuring effective stormwater management.

Minimal Land Use

With land sealing and limited space becoming increasingly common in UK cities, infiltration systems should require as little surface area as possible. Compact solutions that maximise efficiency while minimising land consumption are vital for urban developments.

High Rainwater Storage Capacity

To cope with intense and unpredictable UK rainfall, infiltration systems must be able to store and gradually release large volumes of water. This prevents local flooding and reduces pressure on public sewer networks.

Adaptable Load Capacity

Different applications, from domestic to industrial yards, demand systems that can be tailored to suit their load-bearing requirements. Choosing an infiltration system designed for specific site conditions ensures long-term resilience.

Flexible Installation Options

Modern infiltration systems should offer easy and versatile installation, with connection points in both longitudinal and transverse directions. This flexibility simplifies construction and allows for quick, cost-efficient setup.

Suitable products for rainwater infiltration

HAURATON carries products that aid in the creation of infiltration systems.

Infiltration Crate: DRAINFIX BLOC HD

Our DRAINFIX BLOC HD crate can be used to create soakaways: used for this purpose, these underground storage units are wrapped in a non-woven, needle punched geotextile to allow water to be gradually infiltrated back into the soil.

Swale infiltration

Swales are shallow, vegetated channels that naturally slow down surface water runoff and encourage infiltration into the soil. As water filters through the vegetation and soil layers, pollutants are captured and bound within the substrate, helping to improve water quality. When combined with HAURATON DRAINFIX BLOC HD crates and channel drainage, swales form part of a holistic approach to rainwater management.

Read more about DRAINFIX BLOC HD

Combining Rainwater Infiltration and Treatment Systems

Rainwater is first collected through a channel drainage system then filtered using a substrate channel, such as the DRAINFIX CLEAN system, which provides effective removal of pollutants including heavy metals, hydrocarbons and fine sediments. This ensures that only clean water enters the infiltration system, protecting soil quality and enhancing long-term sustainability. By integrating treatment channels with the DRAINFIX BLOC HD crate system, HAURATON delivers a complete rainwater management solution.

Infiltration of rainwater
Infiltration of rainwater without runoff

The HAURATON Product Finder

Find the right product for your project, information for your planning, tender texts, product illustrations, technical drawings and CAD data etc.

Application areas for rainwater infiltration

Residential and commercial buildings

Application area Residential & commercial buildings

Public spaces

Application area public spaces

Industrial and logistics

Application Area Industrial & Logistics

You are on this page

Core Competency of HAURATON: Infiltration
Infiltrate

Infiltration of rainwater into the subsoil

You can find more core competencies here:

Core competence of HAURATON: Drainage

Drain

Drainage systems for effective rainwater management
Core competence of HAURATON: Treatment

Treat

Filtration of polluted surface water runoff
Core competence of HAURATON: Retention

Retain

Temporary storage of surface water

Questions?

Our experienced planning team will be happy to help you.

Get in touch
Questions?