In the gutter, out of trouble

The drainage of rainwater, particularly in inner-city areas, is causing quite a stir. Not for nothing did Nering Bögel initiate the high-profile 'Waterquest', the think tank within which non-conventional solutions are being sought to cope with increasing rainfall in the future. We speak with Toin Bongers, operations director at Nering Bögel.

"Waterquest has given us many insights, both on the side of issues and possible solutions. Ideas have emerged that deserve to be explored further. Yet 'normal life' also goes on and we will also have to look for practical solutions for water drainage, in a 'hands on' way, for the short term. Such a solution we now have in our hands!"

The Max-i gutter is EN1433 certified and features cast iron slotted or mesh grates.

Buffering water for later use

"Drainage systems can be roughly divided into two categories. In point and line drainage. With point drainage you have to think of a gully, with line drainage a long gutter with grates, less deep. In both cases, the water is drained into a large pit or basin. From there, the precious water is transported further towards rivers, eventually into the sea," Bongers outlines. Then you have two problems: our drainage system was built according to an old principle and was never designed for the current amount of water it has to endure, resulting in flooding, and all that rainwater is sent out of the country without doing anything useful with it. That's a shame."

Nering Bögel entered into talks with the German company Birco, where they are the Max-i gutter has developed. Bongers: "We are going to introduce the Max-i system in the Netherlands under our own Brand. You can see this system as an xxl gutter. The concrete gutter is many times deeper than the existing line drainage we know. Excess rainwater remains in the gutter, which functions as a water buffer. This makes the water immediately available for useful uses when needed. In times of drought, for example, as we have experienced in recent hot summers. With the Max-i, we can cope with two extreme weather situations, one where so much water falls suddenly from the sky that normal gutters would lack drainage capacity, and one where extreme drought causes a water shortage."

Increased safety in wet weather in Baden-Baden, thanks to Max-i.

Completely made of concrete and certified

The Max-i gutter is made entirely of concrete and so strong that it can be laid directly. "Without further sheathing, which you do need with traditional gutters. This saves space, material and time. The Max-i gutter is EN1433 certified and features cast iron slotted or mesh gratings. Whether walking traffic or heavy truck traffic passes over it, none of it matters. A Boeing can drive over it without any problem. That's why this gutter is already being used at airports."

According to Bongers, the Max-i is relatively expensive compared to traditional drainage systems, but then you are also comparing apples to oranges. Bongers explains, "Max-i is already being used in Germany and France, there are pilots at airports and in port areas where there are heavy demands on drainage. Until now, we have delivered directly to the end customer, which are prescribers, airports and local authorities. This is also how we will initially market Max-i in the Netherlands; by offering this system directly, where we will make it clear that it makes sense to deploy Max-i preventively."

Installation at a car wash in France.

Proven technology that goes a step further

According to Bongers, it is necessary to think differently about drainage. "You have to dare to think beyond the existing gutter systems. You don't run any risks with Max-i because everything is designed and implemented based on proven technology. The idea is only -literally and figuratively- deepened." Nering Bögel Max-i is available in different widths and depths, depending on what the situation calls for. In conclusion, Bongers says, "So thinking differently is necessary, but then you also enjoy a real solution. We think we can make a big impact with this, initially towards airports, ports and logistics centers. Of course, unknown makes unloved. That is why I would like to invite everyone who is interested to visit us  at Public Space Day 2020, on September 30 and October 1, 2020 at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht or even earlier, at the RioleringsVakdagen 2020 in Gorinchem, next March 17, 18 and 19."