Drainage pipe into creek

[bwheeler]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knew whether or not laying a drain pipe into a slow moving creek (the direction of the flow) would allow the water to drain, or would the water from the creek just seep back up the drain pipe.

I am just looking to drain groundwater not drain my sewer or anything nasty like that.

Someone had told me that the creek would create a type of venturi that would suck the water out. Not sure if that's true or not.

Thanks!

[Dave_L]

Are you discharging above or below the water level?

Decent amount of fall from top to bottom of the pipe?

[bwheeler]

The start of the pipe is higher than the water level of the creek but by the time the pipe reaches it, it will be at the same level.

The fall would be about 3 feet I think, from beginning to end.

[Dave_L]

Well, water can't go uphill so aslong as the 'top' of the pipe is well above expected water level in the river (I understand 'creek' to be a US word!) then all will be well. I'd angle the pipe to go with the flow of the river.

Does that make sense??

Not sure you can legally discharge via pipe into a river without consent though......

[bwheeler]

Thanks very much. I am going to look into whether or not I'll need formal approval.

[Dave_L]

You might open a can of worms there!!!!