The problem with traditional drainage
Traditional drainage systems only evacuate water and don't manage soil behavior over time. Surface grading, sand layers, or deep pipe networks remove excess water without restoring soil structure. The result is that compaction layers remain, oxygen exchange declines, and infiltration becomes inconsistent across the field.
As conditions deteriorate, surfaces require corrective watering, repeated topdressing, and reactive maintenance. Performance becomes harder to predict. Costs rise. Playability narrows to ideal weather windows. Traditional drainage treats visible water. It does not resolve the soil conditions that cause it.
What GEPS actually does in the soil
GEPS is a subsurface soil remediation and water management system developed by Exlterra. Unlike traditional drainage, it does not evacuate water through pipes or voids. Each GEPS unit is a polyethylene section engineered to pull water into the soil using naturally occurring hydrostatic and capillary forces.
Water is attracted toward the unit, redistributed vertically between soil layers, and released into less saturated zones below. Rather than forcing water away, the system restores natural moisture movement through the soil profile, improving infiltration while maintaining structural continuity at the surface.
GEPS units are invisible and installed underground as a calibrated matrix. Their combined radius of influence allows the units to interact, forming a passive system that increases infiltration across the entire surface. Rainwater is absorbed up to ten times faster than with traditional drainage methods.
As excess moisture moves downward, soil pressure equalizes, oxygen exchange improves, and compaction layers release. Where surface compaction is severe, shallow boosters may complement the system to accelerate activation. The result is firm, usable fields year-round and turf watering needs reduced by up to 50%.
After GEPS
Before GEPS
Water accumulates on the surface, infiltrates poorly, and forms pockets in the soil.
Water infiltrates quickly and evenly deep into the ground, stabilizing and hydrating the soil.
Rainwater absorbed 10 times faster*
Firm and usable fields all year round*
Watering needs reduced by 50% or more*
Zero maintenance, zero energy consumption
The only underground system that does three jobs at once. And never needs maintenance.
Why it matters for performance surfaces
Performance depends on consistency. When soil drains unevenly, surfaces alternate between saturation and drought stress. That instability affects traction, rebound, recovery time, and player safety. It also forces aggressive watering and intervention cycles.
By restoring soil function, GEPS stabilizes moisture levels across the field. Surfaces clear faster after heavy rain while retaining usable moisture below. Playability extends across a wider range of conditions. This creates measurable improvements in surface response, recovery time, and maintenance efficiency.
Installation overview
Each GEPS project starts with an on-site field assessment. Soil behavior, compaction depth, usage intensity, and performance objectives are evaluated before any intervention is defined. The installation scope is then calibrated to the field, not standardized.
GEPS equipment operates below the surface without excavation or turf removal. Installation is fast, targeted, and minimally disruptive. Fields typically return to use quickly, with immediate functional change and progressive improvement over time. The intervention is precise, controlled, and verifiable.
Sports complexes
Multiple fields mean multiplied maintenance risk and cost. The Exlterra GEPS technology standardizes underground performance across all surfaces. Less intervention, predictable conditions, long-term operational control.
Football & soccer fields
Football and soccer destroy weak soil long before it destroys grass. GEPS reinforces the ground structure and keeps moisture where roots need it. Stronger turf. Faster recovery. Fewer failures during the season.
Baseball fields
Baseball fields rely on consistency across infield, outfield, and base paths. GEPS stabilizes the soil profile, improves vertical drainage, and preserves oxygen in the root zone. The surface is firmer, more uniform; it recovers faster after rain, and needs fewer maintenance.
Built for elite surfaces. Proven across disciplines.
Problems GEPS solves
GEPS is also used in playgrounds, parks, landscaped areas, and infrastructure zones where standing water, compaction, or unstable soil limit usability. The mechanism remains the same. The surface changes.
Low impact development (LID)
Sustainable strategy for water infiltration, reducing heat and strain on drainage networks
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Shrink-swell phenomenon
Limit cracking and subsidence by stabilizing the moisture content of clay soils
