# Stormwater Vaults

**URL:** https://aqualisco.com/service/stormwater-management/stormwater-systems/underground-infrastructure/stormwater-vaults/
**Author:** Carlie Utesch
**Published:** October 24, 2024

> Stormwater vaults collect runoff from rain events but do not naturally offer treatment. Learn more about maintaining and inspecting these stormwater assets.

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# Stormwater Vaults
				
				
				
				
				
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## Understanding Stormwater Vaults
				
				
		
				
				
									Stormwater vaults are underground structures that store stormwater runoff. Sometimes called detention tanks or vaults, they are most often used in cold climates or in areas with limited aboveground space. Vaults collect and store runoff but often do not provide treatment. These systems are often buried under parking lots or parking garages. 

								
				
				
				
									
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															![underground stormwater detention system](https://aqualisco.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PXL_20230225_000802983-scaled-e1729795387617.jpg)															
				
		
		
				
				
					
## Combatting Wear and Tear
				
				
				
				
									Vaults reduce overflows after significant rain events and allow stormwater to continue downstream at a controlled rate. Because they do not offer any water quality benefits, they should be used in conjunction with other stormwater control measures. These vaults require certified confined space entry personnel to maintain repair and install. Maintenance and cleaning is usually performed with an industrial vactor truck to pump out sediment and debris from the tanks. 

								
				
				
		
				
				
					
### Failures Include:
				
				
		
		
				
				
							
			
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									External Infiltration

								
				
				
		
				
				
							
			
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									[Small Cracks](#)								
				
				
		
				
				
							
			
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									[Joint Repairs](#)								
				
				
		
				
				
							
			
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									Clogging

								
				
				
		
				
				
							
			
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									[Joint Repairs](#)								
				
				
		
				
				
							
			
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									Corrosion

								
				
				
		
				
				
							
			
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									Joint Separation

								
				
				
		
				
				
							
			
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									Grouting Deterioration

								
				
				
				
				
				
					
				
		
					
				
				
							
			
		
						
				
					
				
		
		
					
		
				
				
					

		
		
		
		
		

        
            
            	
  
  
    	
      
        
    
          
        		
				
		
				
				
					
## Swales are designed with soil that allows water to infiltrate the ground, providing ground water recharge. Many SCMs utilize sunlight to facilitate evaporation and vegetation to facilitate denitrification
				
				
				
				
									**How SCMs Improve Water Quality**

								
				
		
				
				
									[Read the Full Blog](https://aqualisco.com/how-scms-improve-water-quality/)

								
				
				
				
							
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- Underground Infrastructure