Private Water Crossings: Considerations Before You Build

PRIVATE WATER CROSSINGS | 11• Cast-in-place or self-setting concrete bag headwallsexposed to the watercourse are less desirable than precastconcrete or sandbagged headwalls, due to the releaseof leachate and resulting fish kill.• Sandbagged headwalls are traditionally used as a temporarymeasure and for sandy non-clay soil conditions.• Adequately designed and constructed bottomless arch culvertscan maintain natural streambed and match the upstream anddownstream water depth and velocity.Figure 3.2-4. Culvert withsandbagged headwall is beingused in a sandy soil drainageditch. This method should notbe used for permanent use inwater courses.Figure 3.2-5. Multipleculverts at driveway ditchcrossing have adequate spacingand compaction. The concreteheadwall and wing walls helpdirect water flow and preventwashouts during high waterflow. There is also adequatecover and culvert length toallow liberal clearance oftraffic.