In the high-stakes environment of food and beverage manufacturing, the physical infrastructure of a facility is the first line of defense against food safety hazards. Among these, drainage systems are critical, as they must manage high volumes of liquid and solids while remaining cleanable and durable under heavy loads. This presentation introduces the Drainage Evaluation Program (DEP)—a rigorous technical framework designed to transition drainage from a passive waste-stream component to a critical food safety asset. The session outlines how a DEP delivers a comprehensive assessment of current drainage usage, covering surface drain types, installation methodologies, and the integrity of underground piping systems. We will examine the technical variables that dictate drainage success, including material compatibility for caustic chemicals and the verification of sanitary design to eliminate microbial "niche" environments. Beyond identification, the DEP provides a structured roadmap to execute the steps necessary for optimization based on detailed report recommendations. Attendees will learn how to bridge the gap between identifying a subsurface hazard and implementing a permanent engineering solution, ensuring that drainage performance supports both regulatory compliance and operational longevity. Learning Objectives: The DEP Methodology: Understand the core components of a Drainage Evaluation Program, including the audit of drain types, installation methods, and maintenance protocols. Subsurface and Sanitary Audit: Learn how to evaluate the material durability of underground piping and identify microbial harborages through sanitary design verification. Infrastructure as Equipment: Shift from commodity-based thinking to a technical framework of load ratings (A-F) and hydraulic capacities based on system restrictions. From Reporting to Execution: Gain insights into the programs required to execute on DEP report recommendations, focusing on long-term infrastructure optimization and pathogen mitigation.