After heavy rains flood homes, residents advised to install backflow valves
Heavy downpours repeatedly hit Riga and other parts of Latvia this summer, overwhelming the urban drainage system and flooding residents' properties. Latvian Television's program "4. Studija" looked into solutions for the problem.
This summer, both Riga and other areas of Latvia experienced repeated heavy rainstorms that caused problems for residents whose properties sit in low-lying areas or close to the sewage network.
Why flooding occurs
After intense downpours, the city's drainage system often cannot handle the full volume of rainwater, causing water to back up through the system and flood household plots and even basements.
Possible solution
Latvian Television's program "4. Studija" examined what residents can do when their property floods after every heavy rain. One solution discussed is installing backflow (anti-flood) valves in the sewage system, which would prevent water from being pushed back into buildings and yards when the centralized network becomes overloaded.
The issue affects several regions across Latvia and has become more pressing amid the frequent intense rainfall seen this summer.
