Quantitative and qualitative analysis of surface runoff from the exemplary rest area (RA)

Abstract

Due to the changed nature of atmospheric precipitation and an increasing water deficit, the possibilities of water retention where rainwater occurs have been more and more popular in recent decades. Yet, no comprehensive studies have been carried out in Poland to show the possibilities of economic use of water flowing out from roads, not only in terms of quantity but also quality. The aim of this paper is to present the findings of the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the surface runoff from an exemplary rest area (RA). The analysis followed the hydrodynamic method and was divided into two parts: runoff analysis and quality analysis related to the amount of the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) washed off from the analyzed RA during precipitation events. The findings prove that the case study RA is efficiently drained in terms of hydraulic conditions. The qualitative analysis showed that the concentration of the TSS exceeded the maximum acceptable level during all rainfall events. However, in-situ tests of the quantity and quality of rainwater from the RA are highly recommended.