City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Home MenuStorm Drain Improvements
Repairs and Replacements
A large portion of the City’s storm sewer pipeline infrastructure is comprised of corrugated metal pipe (CMP). In the 1960s and 1970s, CMP was the industry standard due to its inexpensive material cost, ease of installation and projected 50-year design life. In the City’s experience, CMP has proven to have a design life of 20 to 30 years. CMP typically fails by friction from the action of flowing water with rocks and sediment, corrosion or both.
Inside of failing CMP pipe where the bottom has corroded and lifted up »
Once the integrity of the pipe has been compromised, the pipe’s surrounding soil becomes susceptible to piping (soil picked up by flowing water and carried away) and the pipe will eventually collapse.
« Existing CMP storm pipe removed prior to new construction
Failing storm drain systems are identified by City staff and are typically replaced with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe or High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe.
Installation of new PVC storm drain pipe »
~ For more information on the City's Storm Water Program, please visit our Utilities Department. ~