The City of Tacoma’s Stormwater Rapid Assessment Program is the first in the nation to use the German-made Kleen-Vue inspection system, which uses a hydraulicly powered video camera to drive through the City’s stormwater pipes and relay a wireless signal back to a technician to find out where problems exist. This inspection method is approximately five times faster than
During the first year, City employees have examined 35 percent of the City’s stormwater system. This inspection method is approximately five times faster than current industry standards and is being used to direct and prioritize stormwater capital projects. Inspection data is entered directly into the City’s web-based mapping system, meaning results are available to staff instantly.
The program began March 18, 2011, and is expected to be completed within four years.
By the numbers (March 2011-March 2012)
- City employees have reviewed 170 miles out of a total 476 miles of pipe so far.
- 22 percent of the stormwater system is confirmed to be in good condition
- 9.8 percent of the stormwater system is confirmed to need limited repair
- 3.4 percent of the stormwater system is confirmed to need replacement
- Inspections for the remaining 65 percent of the system will be complete within three years.
- The 1-year-old Stormwater Rapid Assessment Program is approximately 5 times faster than industry standard methods.
- Emergency stormwater pipe repairs cost approximately 4 to 6 times more expensive than planned repairs.
In the news
News release: Tacoma's innovative stormwater assessment program marks 1 year (3/23/12)
"New Paradigms," by Greg Northcutt of Municipal Sewer and Water Magazine – January 2012
YouTube – Municipal Sewer and Water Magazine - January 2012
For more information: Media and Communications