Planning Surface Runoff Using Green Infrastructure Systems in Urban Waterways

Abstract

In cities, the discharge systems for surface waters used so far have been proven inadequate due to changes in precipitation intervals and amounts brought about by climate change, as experienced through increased flooding and droughts. The urban population and the number of impervious surfaces within cities continue to rise dramatically. Reducing the amount of surface runoff has become a top priority for sustainable cities. In urban waterway basins, existing and planned green spaces should be designed to slow down the speed of precipitation and subsequent surface runoff. Temporary water retention areas should be created in both active and passive green spaces located along the waterways. All waterways within the city have a basin, and cities are comprised of these basins. Plans and projects should be based on basins and sub-basins. Key projects at the basin level include green roofs, rain gardens, reduction of impervious surfaces, bioswales, and green infrastructure networks. Planned measures will prevent peak flows and delay their timing. The amount and quality of water reaching the waterways will improve. Furthermore, the amount of surface runoff will decrease, depleted aquifers will refill, and the amount of water reaching underground will increase, resulting in the formation of ecological cities.