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Home Stormwater Management

Stormwater Management

Compiled by:
Beat Stauffer (seecon international gmbh)

Executive Summary
Storm water management means to manage surface runoff. It can be applied in rural areas (e.g.
to harvest precipitation water), but is essential in urban areas where run-off cannot infiltrate
because the surfaces are impermeable. Traditional storm water management was mainly to drain
high peak flows away. Unfortunately, this only dislocates high water loads. Modern approaches
aim to rebuild the natural water cycle, i.e. to store runoff water (e.g. retention basins) for a
certain time, to recharge ground water (e.g. infiltration basins) and to use the collected water for
irrigation or household supply. Costs depend on technology and the size of the systems.
Planning, implementation and operation and maintenance require expert knowledge.

Introduction

Storm water management is essential to prevent erosion of agricultural land and flooding of
inhabited urban or rural areas. Both cases can cause severe damages and contamination of the
environment if sanitation facilities are flooded. This results in high costs and notably massive
suffering for the local communities.

Storm water in Rural Areas

Flooded agricultural land after a storm event. Source: ARC (2010)

In rural areas, the cumulative impact of countryside living subdivisions, roads and buildings
causes an increase in peak flow rates, and the volume of water that is discharged after storm
events. This leads to 2 key effects: flooding and stream erosion (ARC 2010). The main problem
in rural areas is impermeable surfaces (e.g. caused by roads and buildings) and overstrained
sewer systems. In rural areas and agricultural land it can lead to erosion (see also 2050-soil
degradation]). Furthermore, this water could be used for agriculture and drinking water. Beside
techniques that can be implemented in rural and urban areas (read more below), there are specific
tools for rural areas and agriculture land. These include irrigation systems, called spate irrigation,
or small-scale precipitation techniques such as micro basins, gully plug, field trenches, bunds,
dams and of course rooftop harvesting. All of these techniques make use of important water
sources while also reducing peak flows during rainy periods, storing water, and attenuating the
power and velocity of floods

Stormwater Management in Urban Areas

From left to right: a natural water cycle allows infiltration, groundwater flow and
evapotranspiration. When urban areas seal surfaces and avoid groundwater recharge or
infiltration, floods occur. Modern techniques use natural processes (e.g. infiltration ponds or
wetlands) to manage runoff water. Source: AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL (2010)
Any urban development will affect or make an impact on its environment. Construction of roads
or buildings significantly changes the hydraulic properties of an area. Typically, pervious layers
are rendered less permeable or even impermeable. Depressions are raised to prevent ponding.
Surfaces and conduits are constructed to drain runoff more efficiently. Natural vegetation is often
removed, causing reduced interception and transpiration by plants. Limited vegetation cover
exposes the soil to the impact of rain, which may lead to increased erosion. Natural meandering
watercourses may be canalised to more effectively route flows through the development.
Stormwater management is the science of limiting these negative impacts on the environment
and enhancing the positive impacts, or catering for the hydraulic needs of a development while
minimising the associated negative environmental impacts (CSIR 2000).

Because of the impermeable surfaces in urban areas, flooding occurs very often as a human-
made event. Runoff from such surfaces has a high velocity, which adds to stormwater drainage
systems. This increases peak flow and overland flow volume and decreases natural groundwater
flow (as no is percolation possible) and evapotranspiration. Furthermore, urban runoff has an
increased pollution load, which leads to water pollution (PARKINSON et al. 2010).

The traditional model of stormwater management is based on a misconception. It aims the

draining of urban runoff as quick as possible with the help of channels and pipes (see also sewer
systems), which increases peak flows and costs of stormwater management. This type of solution
only transfers flood problems from one section of the basin to another section. Urban runoff
contains a large amount of solids and a higher concentration of metals and other toxic
components (PARKINSON et al. 2010).

A more sustainable approach is Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM), which refers to
the practice of managing freshwater, wastewater, and stormwater as links within the resource
management structure, using an urban area as the unit of management (UNEP 2009). IUWM
includes the following activities:

 Improve water supply and consumption efficiency

 Ensure adequate water quality for drinking water as well as wastewater treatment through
the use of Environmentally Sound Technologies (ESTs) and preventive management
practices
 Utilise alternative water sources, including rainwater and reclaimed and treated water
 Engage communities to reflect their needs and knowledge for water management
 Establish and implement policies and strategies to facilitate the above activities
 Support capacity development of personnel and institutions that are engaged in IUWM
 Improve economic efficiency of services to sustain operations and investments for water,
wastewater, and stormwater management

New technologies for stormwater development in the sense of IUWM have been developed since
the 1970s and include detention and retention ponds, permeable surfaces, infiltration trenches,
surface and surbsurface groundwater recharge, and other sources control measures
(PARKINSON et al. 2010).
Storage Type Devices

Detention Ponds

Extended Detention Basin Components. Source: NJDEP (2004)

Detention ponds are excavated reservoirs or constructed in natural depressions, which are dry
during low flow periods. They provide temporary storage of stormwater runoff attenuation for
both stormwater quality and quantity management. To ensure the pollution removal role, ponds
must be designed to allow stormwater to sit long enough to settle out the solids (PARKINSON et
al. 2010; NJDEP 2004)

Retention Ponds

Retention ponds (see also retention basins) are primarily designed to improve the quality of
water from stormwater flows, but are often employed as flood control devices. They are designed
not to dry out during dry periods, thus retaining water permanently as a part of their volume. The
basic design parameter is the residence time, generally between 2 and 4 weeks. Water quality
improvement occurs mainly through settling (PARKINSON et al. 2010).

Onsite Detention (OSD)

A possible OSD design with modular tank boxes. Source: ATLANTIS (n.y )

On-site Stormwater Detention (OSD) is a way of collecting the rain that falls on a site (known as
stormwater or surface run-off), storing it temporarily, and then releasing it slowly so that it
doesn’t worsen downstream flooding. It is mostly used in urban and residential areas and can be
retrofitted in existing buildings (PARKINSON et al. 2010; UPRCT n.y.).

Rainwater Harvesting

Interest in adapting rainwater harvesting in urban areas is increasing as it provides the combined
benefits of conserving potable water and reducing stormwater runoff. When harvested rainwater
is used to irrigate landscaped areas, the water is either evapotranspired by vegetation or
infiltrated into the soil, thereby helping to maintain predevelopment water balance. The rain that
falls upon a catchment surface, such as a roof, is collected and conveyed into a storage tank.
With minimal pre-treatment (e.g., gravity filtration or first-flush diversion), the captured
rainwater can be used for outdoor non-potable water uses such as irrigation and pressure
washing, or in the building to flush toilets or urinals (adapted from TRCA & CVC 2010). It is
also a widely used useful technique in rural areas.

Green Roofs

Green roofs, also known as “living roofs” or “rooftop gardens”, consist of a thin layer of
vegetation and growing medium installed on top of a conventional flat or sloped roof. Green
roofs are touted for their benefits to cities, as they improve energy efficiency, reduce urban heat
island effects, and create green space for passive recreation or aesthetic enjoyment. Green roofs
or vertical gardens can also be irrigated with treated greywater for instance. To a water resources
manager, they are attractive for their water quality, water balance, and peak flow control
benefits. From a hydrologic perspective, the green roof acts like a lawn or meadow by storing
rainwater in the growing medium and ponding areas. Read more about it in TRCA & CVC
(2010).

Constructed Wetlands

Beside constructed wetlands (e.g. horizontal flow) for wastewater treatment, there are also
engineered stormwater wetlands to manage flood peaks, improving water quality of surface run-
off and restoring some of the cities natural habitat and birdlife (AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL
(2010). Read more about these wetlands in METROCOUNCIL (n.y.). They can be combined
with surface and subsurface groundwater recharge systems or soil aquifer treatment.

Infiltration Type Devices

Infiltration Trenches

Design of infiltration trenches. Source: RIVERSIDE (n.y.) and SUSTAINABLE

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT (2007)

Infiltration trenches are shallow excavations that are filled with uniformly crushed stone (similar
to soak pits) to create underground reservoirs for stormwater runoff. The runoff gradually
exfiltrates through the bottom of the trench into the subsoil and eventually into the water table.
The walls and the top are lined with geotextile to avoid sediment penetration. Trench designs
may be modified to include vegetative cover and other features, establishing a bio-filtration area.
They are often constructed beside outdoor parking lots or beside streets. Treatment occurs during
infiltration into the soil. However, there is a risk of clogging where sedimentation concentration
in runoff is high (DEP & CZM 1997; PARKINSON et al. 2010).

Grass Filter Stripes

Grass filter stripe in combination with infiltration trenches (stone drop) and forest filter. Source:
BARR ENGINEERING COMPANY (2001)

Grass filter stripes (also known as filter stripes or grassed filters) are densely vegetated,
uniformly graded areas that treat surface flow from adjacent impervious areas. Grass filter stripes
function by slowing runoff velocities, trapping sediment and other pollutants and providing a
modest infiltration (BARR ENGINEERING COMPANY 2001).

Grassed Swales

Enhanced grass swales feature check dams that temporarily pond runoff to increase pollutant
retention and infiltration and decrease flow velocity. Source: TRCA & CVC (2010)

Grass swales (also called vegetated swales) are open grassed channels in which stormwater
runoff is slowed down and partially infiltrated along their course. Check dams and vegetation in
the swale slow the water to allow sedimentation, filtration through the root zone and soil matrix,
evapotranspiration, and infiltration into the underlying native soil. Simple grass channels or
ditches have long been used for stormwater conveyance, particularly for roadway drainage.
Enhanced grass swales incorporate design features such as modified geometry and check dams
that improve the contaminant removal and runoff reduction functions of simple grass channel
and roadside ditch designs (PARKINSON et al. 2010; TRCA & CVC 2010).

Pervious Pavements
A theoretical cross section of porous pavement (left) and porous pavement during a
demonstration. Source: TECOECO (n.y.)

Pervious pavement is a permeable pavement surface with a stone reservoir underneath. The
reservoir temporarily stores surface runoff before infiltrating it into the subsoil or sub-surface
drainage and in the process improves the water quality. Porous materials such as ancient lime
mortars and pervious pavements are made using relatively mono graded materials. In the case of
pervious pavement this translates as a lack of "fine" materials. Pervious pavement is also
sometimes also referred to as “no fines concrete” (adapted from TECOECO n.y.).

Infiltration Basin

An infiltration basin (also called infiltration pond) is a facility constructed within highly
permeable soils that provides temporary storage of stormwater runoff (see also surface
groundwater recharge). An infiltration basin does not normally have a structural outlet (like
detention basins) to discharge runoff from the stormwater quality design storm. Instead, outflow
from an infiltration basin is through the surrounding soil. An infiltration basin may also be
combined with an extended detention basin to provide additional runoff storage for both
stormwater quality and quantity management. The adopted TSS removal rate for infiltration
basins is 80 per cent (NJDEP 2004).

Cost Considerations

The costs of the different systems depend very much on the technology, topography and expert
knowledge. Some of them are quite easy to implement, others are very complex and raise the
costs. On the other hand, a proper stormwater management avoids damages on infrastructure and
protects the population of urban areas and rural settlements.

Health Aspects

Modern stormwater techniques mostly have some ecological treatment effects with the general
aim to protect the health, welfare and safety of the public (by preventing water pollution), and to
protect property from flood hazards by safely routing and discharging stormwater from
developments (CSIR 2000).
A problem for the public health, but also for the proper function of the stormwater facilities, can
be urban solid waste. Legal and illegal domestic sewer connections to stormwater drainage
systems mean that ancillaries, such as retention basins, become pollutant traps. During high
floods, these are washed out and can lead to water contamination (PARKINSON et al. 2010).

Furthermore, high loads of fine sediments can clog infiltration systems, leading to permanent
ponding. This can result in mosquito breeding, which is a major problem in humid climates
where malaria and other tropical diseases are common.

Operation and Maintenance

All stormwater management systems need a proper O&M service. Regular maintenance extends
the life of stormwater systems, improves site drainage, and reduces pollution entering surface
waters and groundwater. Governmental facilities as well as private property owners are
responsible for O&M. As an example, a manual for private owners can be found in CITY OF
PORTLAND (2006).

Applicability
Theoretically, stormwater management is necessary in every settlement, rural or urban, to protect
human health, prevent water pollution, (re-)use precipitation water (on agriculture or household
level) and prevent damages to infrastructure. It is essential in urban areas where constructed
surfaces change the hydraulic properties and prevent infiltration. The whole management has to
be adapted to the local conditions (climate, topography, resources, etc.). Therefore, expert
knowledge is required.

Advantages
 Proper drainage of surface run-off
 Possibility to recharge groundwater and (re-)use precipitation water and surface run-off
as irrigation or household water
 Treatment of stormwater in a very early stage
 Avoids damages on infrastructure (private properties, streets, etc.); flood prevention
 Can be integrated into the urban landscape and provide green and recreational areas

Disadvantages
 Expert planning, implementation, operation and maintenance required
 Depending on the technique, a lot of operation and labour required
 Risk of clogging infiltration system caused by high sedimentation rates

References
ATLANTIS (Editor) (n.y.): Modular Underground Tanks System. Sidney: Atlantis. URL
[Accessed: 28.02.2012]. PDF

ARC (Editor) (2010): The Countryside Living Toolbox: A Guide for the Management of
Stormwater Discharges in Countryside Living Areas in the Auckland Region. Auckland:
Auckland Regional Council (ARC). URL [Accessed: 07.03.2012]. PDF

ALBERTA ENVIRONMENT (Editor) (1999): Stormwater Management Guidelines for the

Province of Alberta. Edmonton: Alberta Environmental Protection. URL [Accessed:
06.03.2012]. PDF

AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL (Editor) (2010): Stormwater. Auckland (New Zealand):

Auckland City Council. URL [Accessed: 25.01.2012].

BARR ENGINEERING COMPANY (Editor) (2001): Urban Small Sites Best Management
Practice Manual. Filter Stripes. St. Paul: Metropolitan Council Environmental Services. URL
[Accessed: 28.02.2012]. PDF

CITY OF PORTLAND (Editor) (2006): Operation and Maintenance for Private Property
Owners. Portland: Environmental Services. URL [Accessed: 05.03.2012]. PDF

CSIR (Editor) (2000): Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design. Pretoria: CSIR
Building and Construction Technology. URL [Accessed: 23.02.2012]. PDF

DEP (Editor); CZM (Editor) (1997): Stormwater Management. Bosten: MA Department of

Environmental Protection (DEP) and MA Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). URL
[Accessed: 27.02.2012]. PDF

CITY OF PORTLAND (Editor) (2006): Operation and Maintenance for Private Property
Owners. Portland: Environmental Services. URL [Accessed: 05.03.2012]. PDF

CSIR (Editor) (2000): Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design. Pretoria: CSIR
Building and Construction Technology. URL [Accessed: 23.02.2012]. PDF

DEP (Editor); CZM (Editor) (1997): Stormwater Management. Bosten: MA Department of

Environmental Protection (DEP) and MA Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). URL
[Accessed: 27.02.2012]. PDF

NJDEP (Editor) (2004): New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual: Chapter
9.5 - Standard for Infiltration Basins. New Jersey: Department of Environmental Protection.
URL [Accessed: 28.02.2012]. PDF

NJDEP (Editor) (2004): New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual: Chapter
9.4 - Standard for Extended Detention Basins. New Jersey: Department of Environmental
Protection. URL [Accessed: 28.02.2012]. PDF
PARKINSON, J.N.; GOLDENFUM, J.A.; TUCCI, C.E.M. (2010): Integrated Urban Water
Management: Humid. Paris: UNESCO.

RIVERSIDES (Editor) (n.y.): Infiltration Trenches. Toronto: RiverSides Stewardship Alliance.

URL [Accessed: 28.02.2012].

SUSTAINABLE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT (2007): Infiltration Trenches SSM.

Sustainable Stormwater Management. URL [Accessed: 28.02.2012].

TECOECO (Editor) (n.y.): Permecocrete. Glenorchy: TecEco Pty Ltd. . URL [Accessed:
05.03.2012]. PDF

TRCA (Editor); CVC (Editor) (2010): Low Impact Development Stormwater Management
Planning and Design Guide. Downsview and Mississauga: Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority (TRCA) and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (CVC). URL [Accessed:
27.02.2012]. PDF

UNEP (Editor) (2009): Integrated Urban Water Management. . Osaka: United Nation
Environment Programme (UNEP). URL [Accessed: 23.02.2012].

UPRCT (Editor) (n.y.): What is On-site Stormwater Detention? . Parramatta: Upper Parramatta
River Catchment Trust (UPRCT). URL [Accessed: 28.02.2012]. PDF

Further Readings

ALBERTA ENVIRONMENT (Editor) (1999): Stormwater Management Guidelines for the

Province of Alberta. Edmonton: Alberta Environmental Protection. URL [Accessed:
06.03.2012]. PDF

These guidelines are intended to help municipalities, local authorities, consulting engineers, and
developers in the planning and design of stormwater management systems in Alberta. They
outline the objectives of stormwater management and the available methodologies and concepts
for the planning, design, and operation of stormwater drainage systems. In addition to the water
quantity aspects of stormwater management, the publication also describes some of the
techniques that can be applied for quality management of stormwater.
ARC (Editor) (2010): The Countryside Living Toolbox: A Guide for the Management of
Stormwater Discharges in Countryside Living Areas in the Auckland Region. Auckland:
Auckland Regional Council (ARC). URL [Accessed: 07.03.2012]. PDF

The guideline document (the “Toolbox”) is intended to provide the above mentioned groups with
a selection of methods and tools to mitigate the effects of stormwater run-off from countryside
living areas. All these councils are committed to a policy of avoiding, remedying or mitigating
the adverse effects from stormwater discharges on the receiving environment to the greatest
extent possible.

ATLANTIS (Editor) (n.y.): Modular Underground Tanks System. Sidney: Atlantis. URL
[Accessed: 28.02.2012]. PDF

The Atlantis underground tank system is a modular sub surface system that can be constructed to
hold any volume required. The sub surface location of the tank frees up space for landscaping or
driveway use while also ensuring optimal conditions for retaining water is always maintained.
Macro and micro pollutants are completely kept out of the system through an Atlantis Filtration
Unit. It is used for infiltration, detention and to store roof top harvested rainwater.
BARR ENGINEERING COMPANY (Editor) (2001): Urban Small Sites Best Management
Practice Manual. Filter Stripes. St. Paul: Metropolitan Council Environmental Services. URL
[Accessed: 28.02.2012]. PDF

This paper includes the most important points about grass filter stripes. It contains a general
description, advantages, construction and design and O&M devices.

BUTTON, K.; JEYARAJ, E.; MA, R.; MUNIZ, E. (2010): Stormwater Management in
Monwabisi Park. C-Section Worcester: Worcester Polytechnic Institute. URL [Accessed:
25.05.2012]. PDF

This guidebook developed specifically to Monwabisi Park, South Africa, this book can be used
as a guideline for stormwater management in other informal settlements with similar physical
and social conditions.

CITY OF PORTLAND (Editor) (2006): Operation and Maintenance for Private Property
Owners. Portland: Environmental Services. URL [Accessed: 05.03.2012]. PDF
This handbook will help you maintain your stormwater management facility to make sure it
performs the work it is designed to accomplish.

CSIR (Editor) (2000): Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design. Pretoria: CSIR
Building and Construction Technology. URL [Accessed: 23.02.2012]. PDF

This manual, Guidelines for Human Settlement Planning and Design, provides a guiding vision
for South African settlement formation, addressing the qualities that should be sought after in our
human settlements, and providing guidance on how these can be achieved. The publication has
been developed over a period of more than two years through a participative process in which
stakeholders and experts from various disciplines were involved.

DEP (Editor); CZM (Editor) (1997): Stormwater Management. Bosten: MA Department of

Environmental Protection (DEP) and MA Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). URL
[Accessed: 27.02.2012]. PDF

This manual about stormwater management includes the three main topics “Hydrology and
Stormwater Runoff”, “Site Planning and Nonstructural Approaches” and “Structural Best
Management Practices”.
METROCOUNCIL (Editor) (n.y.): Constructed Wetlands: Stormwater Wetlands. Saint Paul:
Metropolitan Council. URL [Accessed: 21.02.2012]. PDF

This publication is a manual about constructed wetlands used for stormwater management.

NJDEP (Editor) (2004): New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual: Chapter
9.5 - Standard for Infiltration Basins. New Jersey: Department of Environmental Protection.
URL [Accessed: 28.02.2012]. PDF

The New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual (BMP manual) is developed to
provide guidance to address the standards in the proposed Stormwater Management Rules.
Chapter 9.5: Standard for Infiltration Basins.

NJDEP (Editor) (2004): New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual: Chapter
9.4 - Standard for Extended Detention Basins. New Jersey: Department of Environmental
Protection. URL [Accessed: 28.02.2012]. PDF
The New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual (BMP manual) is developed to
provide guidance to address the standards in the proposed Stormwater Management Rules.
Chapter 9.4 - Standard for Extended Detention Basins.

TECOECO (Editor) (n.y.): Permecocrete. Glenorchy: TecEco Pty Ltd. . URL [Accessed:
05.03.2012]. PDF

An article about pervious pavement and its possibilities.

TRCA (Editor); CVC (Editor) (2010): Low Impact Development Stormwater Management
Planning and Design Guide. Downsview and Mississauga: Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority (TRCA) and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (CVC). URL [Accessed:
27.02.2012]. PDF

The guide is intended to provide engineers, ecologists and planners with up-to-date information
and direction on landscape-based stormwater management planning and low impact development
stormwater management practices such as rainwater harvesting, green roofs, bioretention,
permeable pavement, soakaways and swales. The information contained in the guide will help
practitioners adopt landscape-based stormwater management approaches, and will help select,
design, construct and monitor more sustainable stormwater management practices.
UPRCT (Editor) (n.y.): What is On-site Stormwater Detention? . Parramatta: Upper Parramatta
River Catchment Trust (UPRCT). URL [Accessed: 28.02.2012]. PDF

A nice paper, illustrated with different pictures, about the possibilities of on-site detention.

U.S. EPA (Editor) (2007): Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development (LID)
Strategies and Practices. Washington, DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.
EPA). URL [Accessed: 27.02.2012]. PDF

One of the most exciting new trends in water quality management today is the movement by
many cities, counties, states, and private-sector developers toward the increased use of Low
Impact Development (LID) to help protect and restore water quality. LID comprises a set of
approaches and practices that are designed to reduce runoff of water and pollutants from the site
at which they are generated. By means of infiltration, evapotranspiration, and reuse of rainwater,
LID techniques manage water and water pollutants at the source and thereby prevent or reduce
the impact of development on rivers, streams, lakes, coastal waters, and ground water.
UPRCT (Editor) (n.y.): What is On-site Stormwater Detention? . Parramatta: Upper Parramatta
River Catchment Trust (UPRCT). URL [Accessed: 28.02.2012]. PDF

A nice paper, illustrated with different pictures, about the possibilities of on-site detention.

MEKDASCHI STUDER, R.; LINIGER, H. (2013): Water Harvesting.

Guidelines to Good Practice. Bern/Amsterdam/Wageningen/Rome: Centre
for Development and Environment (CDE), Rainwater Harvesting
Implementation Network (RAIN), MetaMeta, The International Fund for
Agricultural Development (IFAD). URL [Accessed: 01.10.2013]. PDF

Water harvesting has been practiced successfully for millennia in parts of

the world – and some recent interventions have also had significant local impact. Yet water
harvesting’s potential remains largely unknown, unacknowledged and unappreciated. These
guidelines cover a wide span of technologies from large-scale floodwater spreading to practices
that collect and store water from household compounds.

See document in French

Case Studies

BUTTON, K.; JEYARAJ, E.; MA, R.; MUNIZ, E. (2010): Adapting Sustainable Urban
Drainage Systems to Stormwater Management in an Informal Setting. Worcester: Worcester
Polytechnic Institute. URL [Accessed: 23.05.2012]. PDF

A major problem in the informal settlement of Monwabisi Park, Cape Town, is flooding caused
by the low-lying topography and lack of stormwater management systems. Conducting a case
study and working with local residents, we created a guidebook that analysed the physical and
social conditions underlying flooding problems, and the cur-rent interventions used by residents.
In addition, the guidebook demonstrates specific Sustainable Urban Drainage System methods
that we have adapted to an informal community setting.
CRWP (Editor) (n.y.): Floodplain Restoration and Storm Water Management: Guidance and
Case Study. Willoughby: Chagrin River Watershed Partners (CRWP), Inc. . URL [Accessed:
23.05.2012]. PDF

A floodplain is flat or nearly flat lowland bordering a stream or river that experiences occasional
or periodic flooding. Read more about it in this document, which is illustrated with many photos
from the field.

U.S. EPA (Editor) (2008): Case Studies for Stormwater Management on Compacted,
Contaminated Soils in Dense Urban Areas. Washington, DC: United States Environmental
Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). URL [Accessed: 23.05.2012]. PDF

A case study about “green infrastructure” to allow storm water soaking into the ground.

Important Weblinks
http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ [Accessed: 30.10.2012]

Auckland City's stormwater web pages are for householder, student or teacher, developer,
engineer, architect or trades professional - plumber, builder, drain layer or concrete contractor.
Rapid growth, aging pipes and increasing environmental awareness mean we need to change the
way we manage stormwater in the city. These pages show how we can all help to protect our
streams and beaches and extend the life of our infrastructure while avoiding major public costs.

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ [Accessed: 27.02.2012]

The following case studies highlight some outstanding stormwater education projects and
initiatives.

http://wp.wpi.edu/ [Accessed: 25.05.2012]

The 2010 stormwater management team of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute is focusing on a
road of Monwabisi Park to develop methods of how to effectively and efficiently redirect the
water to limit the amount of flooding experienced by the residents living alongside the road.

Training opportunity on IQC Management for WASH and

WRM projects
Too many WASH and WRM projects fail prematurely or are left unused because they are poorly
planned, don’t adequately meet user needs, or are weakened by corruption and integrity issues.

IQC management is a participatory, step-by-step process to help improve Integrity, manage

Quality, and ensure Compliance of small-scale WASH and WRM projects.

May 3 - 4 in Berlin

More information

Related Topics
Concept

Understand why it is crucial for sustainability to consider sanitation and water management
jointly.

Linking up Sustainable Sanitation, Water Management and Agriculture

The Water Cycle

Awareness Raising

Understand how crucial awareness raising is when introducing a new technology or approach:
Awareness Raising

Creating an Enabling Environment

Understand important aspects about policies and legal frameworks for water and sanitation:

Creating Policies and a Legal Framework (WWT)

Public Private Partnerships (WWT)

Planning and Process

There is no shortage on innovative solutions to optimise local water management and sanitation
systems. However, the tricky part is often the question on how to plan and proceed in
implementing those solutions? Learn more here:

Planning & Process Tools Introduction

Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting

A common technique to reduce peak flow and (re-)use rainwater is roof top harvesting, either in
rural or urban areas:

Rainwater Harvesting (Rural)

Rainwater Harvesting (Urban)

Storm water Tools and Agriculture

Learn more about the benefits of floods and precipitation:

Bunds
Field Trenches
Micro Basins
Retention Basin
Sand Dams
Check Dams & Gully Plugs

Related Technologies

Some stormwater management systems are similar to or can be combined with:

Groundwater Recharge (Surface)

Groundwater Recharge (Sub-surface)
Horizontal Flow CW
Free-Surface CW
Soil Aquifer Treatment
Drainage of Storm water

In many cases, urban storm water is drained away through a conventional sewer system:

Separate Sewers
Conventional Sewers
Open Channels and Drains

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