001-40 WC 139 NOV-DEC24 PAPERTURN - Flipbook - Page 28
However, as cities prioritize stormwater management and
look to replace and upgrade aging infrastructure assets, the
project specs they use may be based on historical rainfall records that do not take into consideration the ongoing impact
of climate change. This is quickly becoming a flawed approach
to stormwater management, which is why it is important
engineering experts take a closer look at current regulations to
ensure cities keep pace with the change in climate.
Every project should be viewed as an opportunity to build
resilient and sustainable infrastructure for a city’s stormwater
management. This means choosing stormwater management
solutions designed to provide long-term value and rapid recovery when time is of the essence.
This includes designing adaptable and scalable systems
where traditionally hard infrastructure (e.g., pipe and tunnels)
works in companion with green infrastructure systems (e.g.,
bioswales, rain gardens and ponds) that mimic natural hydrology, filter and absorb stormwater where it falls and offer
environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Urban expansion, including new buildings, homes, and
roads, impedes stormwater's natural ability to soak into
the ground. To safeguard our water resources and protect
communities, stormwater management must evolve to address
the entire lifecycle of a raindrop. This involves managing
stormwater from its initial contact with the ground until it
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is reintroduced into the environment. Such an approach helps
prevent flooding, pollution, erosion, and other environmental
and health issues.
The following are four key steps to managing the entire lifecycle of a raindrop.
1. CAPTURE: Collect and direct runoff to an underground conveyance system. Drain basins, which typically feature a ground-level
opening leading to an underground collection system, work well
in a large variety of roadway drainage applications to help streets
remain clear of flooding.
2. CONVEYANCE: To prevent flooding, safely move water away from
developed sites to be reintroduced to
the water cycle. Using a smooth wall
pipe ensures superior flow so water is
quickly conveyed away from homes,
fields and other areas to help keep them
dry and safe from flood damage.
3. STORAGE: To mitigate erosion and
flooding, use retention and detention
systems to manage infiltration and
recharge stormwater prior to the treatment process. In certain cases, storing
the water for reuse before returning it
to the environment is also an option. In
developed and urban areas where space
is limited, below ground containment
space can be designed and used to effectively store stormwater.
4. TREATMENT: Remove trash, debris
and pollutants to ensure the water is
returned to the environment in as good,
if not better, condition than when
it fell. There are a number of water
quality products that provide filtration
of stormwater before pollutants make
their way to waterways, ensuring the
water is returned to its natural environment in the same or better
condition than when first captured.
Most climate experts agree that we will continue to see
ongoing changing climate patterns and extensive rainfall events.
It is imperative that the country’s stormwater management
infrastructure is up to the challenge. Everyone has an important
role to play in managing the lifecycle of a raindrop. Whether it’s
a residential property or a public or private project or area, steps
should be taken to ensure stormwater is managed effectively.
Not only will it better position cities to properly address
current water management challenges, it will also enable them to
plan for the future more effectively and successfully recover from
major storm events, while also protecting the water that is our
most vital resource.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
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STORMWATER
