The City of Irving invests millions of dollars in the infrastructure that helps ensure that residents have an exceptional quality of life. Whether it’s roads, water towers or drainage channels, the city plans projects using strategic methods to ensure the longevity of capital improvement investments throughout Irving.
One of those methods is the use of drainage channel maintenance and litter abatement, part of the Municipal Drainage Utility (MDU) division of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Department. As the city completes major drainage channel and community projects, such as Upper and Lower Delaware Creek and Jaycee Park, it is important that crews maintain the infrastructure to ensure proper flow of stormwater and runoff.
By the Numbers
The City of Irving manages more than 90 miles of drainage channels. The CIP Department oversees and maintains the following infrastructure:
- More than 27 miles of concrete-lined channels
- 51 miles of drainage maintained by the city
- 39 miles of drainage maintained by flood control districts
- 38 concrete channels totaling 27.3 miles
- More than 355 miles of storm pipes
- 34 siltation ponds
Proactive Approach
The MDU division is responsible for maintaining and repairing concrete-lined channels and storm inlets. The team provides de-siltation service of ponds and drainage channels, as well as storm pipe inspections, replacement and repairs.
To keep channels and retention ponds functioning properly, MDU dredges sand, dirt and debris that collect because of heavy rainfall and water runoff from highways and thoroughfares throughout the city. By keeping these waterways clear of trash, such as litter or shopping carts, it furthers the life cycle and integrity of the drainage channels and ensures that water continues to drain efficiently without flooding or ponding.
MDU repairs broken or separated pipes under Irving’s streets, as well as storm inlets. The team prioritizes these projects from lowest to most immediate repair needs.
Preserving Community Investments
Currently, the MDU division is working on Fritz Park. During phases 2 and 3, crews will remove concrete debris from the area and replace it with a stabilizing embankment.
In addition to the traditional methods of debris removal and channel repair, MDU also incorporates new, sustainable ideas and methods into its drainage efforts. The division established its first grow zone in Running Bear Park. The process uses native plants and flowers that use their long root systems to naturally assist with erosion and drainage control. As rainwater flows through the area carrying trash, the grow zones collect the debris and filter pollution and contaminants before it seeps into the groundwater.
The city has grow zones at Cottonwood Creek Park and Veterans Memorial Park. These projects help revitalize parks and further the city’s beautification efforts.
MDU projects are part of the Drainage Solutions for a Better Tomorrow campaign, which promotes the city’s continuous investment and improvement of drainage channels throughout Irving.
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