Alternate Names: Catch Basin, Curb Inlet, Drop Inlet. A drop inlet collects stormwater from a parking lot. DESCRIPTION. Drain inlets collect water from roads and parking lots and convey it to an underground storm drain system. Drain inlets incorporated into a curb and gutter systems are called curb inlets.

What is a catch basin used for?

A: A catch basin or storm drain is a curbside drain with the sole function of collecting rainwater from our properties and streets and transporting it to local waterways through a system of underground piping, culverts and/or drainage ditches. Storm drains can also be found in parking lots and serve the same purpose.

What is a concrete drop inlet?

A standard concrete drop inlet (a form of a catch basin) is a below-ground square box precast concrete structure with a horizontal square opening. Typically, a slotted or perforated metal grate is set into the top of the drop inlet to bring it to ground level to allow water to enter into the structure.