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Table of Contents
Why This is Important
Why This is Important
Capturing rain and using this valuable resource is becoming increasingly important. Very wasteful farming practices (particularly the meat industry) and population growth are major threats to our water security, which currently effects 4 billion people, or 2/3rds of humanity. Both underground water and surface sources such as rivers are quickly running dry thanks in large part to over-extraction for livestock production. Tree and forest loss further disrupts the water cycle both making it harder for water to penetrate the ground where it can refill aquifers, but also reducing cloud growth, which reduces precipitation.
Groundwater recharging can take thousands of years to occur naturally, but we are losing this precious water at a startling rate, with a growing number of communities approaching or passing Day Zero. Once a community is past Day Zero they have to spend a fortune shipping water from other locations, and many people (if they can) migrate to more stable communities or countries.
In addition to threatening the viability of communities and their economies, severe ground water depletion damages foundations, threatening important structures such as roads, homes, dams, and bridges.
From this we can conclude that combatting deforestation, and switching to agricultural activities that use less water should be the first step in water management, but this page covers the other side of the water security "coin".
Benefits of Sustainable Drainage Systems or SUDS
Benefits of Sustainable Drainage Systems or SUDS
Good water management on one area helps to reduce flooding down hill.
Flooding is occurring more frequently due to all of humanities impervious building materials such as roofs and roads, as well as our obsession with draining water as quickly as possible via drains and ditches. As rain intensity and quantities increase, areas which previously received moderate rain are being reduced to rubble as hard-paved roads are turned into deep, deadly rivers. - https://weather.com/news/news/2021-07-15-europe-flooding-belgium-germany-rain
Natural rainwater harvesting systems are low maintenance, great for storm water/flooding. The can reduce water-use in the landscape to help create beautiful, native spaces which support local flora and fauna.
Susdrain.org
"demonstrates the impacts of urbanisation on a catchment by reducing its permeability and increasing surface water runoff. This reduces opportunities for water to be managed naturally with the potential for pollution and localised flooding when the piped systems cannot cope with rainfall."
Benefits & Functions of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS)
Benefits & Functions of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS)
Introduction
Introduction
These water management designs can help reduce flooding, water pollution, sequester water into landscape to reduce the impact of droughts and protect property against fires while preserving biodiversity.
SUD designs can incorporate existing drainage systems, swales, berms, sumps, reservoirs, dams, forebays, and work passively with emergency overflow points to delay drainage which further reduces the chances of properties being overwhelmed by increasingly extreme storms.
By using natural processes instead of pumps, communities do not become inundated due to power outages or malfunctioning pumps which has caused catastrophic flooding in places like Louisiana.
SUDS vs Land Subsidence
SUDS vs Land Subsidence
By maintaining moisture within communities instead of full drainage, SUD systems provide the benefit of protecting communities from land subsidence which modern drainage and water extractions have massively hastened over the last 100+ years.
For example "In New Orleans, Wood’s pumps—and their successors—have funneled groundwater and organic matter out of the water table for more than 100 years, leaving the dried-out soil to crumble under the weight of the modern city. This has resulted in the fractured roads and potholes that punctuate streets throughout New Orleans—and has caused more than 50 percent of the city’s geographic area to sink below sea level, according to Campanella. In a typical summer downpour, neighborhoods that previously saw little to no water accumulation have begun to flood regularly. Despite widespread suspicion of the S&WB’s capacity to keep the pumps running, the larger issue remains: the system that fights to keep New Orleans dry is sinking the city at the same time." - https://www.hnoc.org/publications/first-draft/pumps-built-and-sank-city-new-orleans
Introduction to Innovative Stormwater Management a 4:49 min Video "UBC's Master of Land and Water Systems program introduces the emergence of innovative designs and approaches to urban stormwater management at three scales:
This series is useful for developers, students, real estate agents, homeowners, municipal/regional planners, managers and engineers.
Production made possible by The Learning Centre at the Faculty of Land and Food Systems."
Introduction to Innovative Stormwater Management a 4:49 minute video
Innovative Stormwater Management at the Property Scale
15:34 minute video
Innovative Stormwater Management at the Neighbourhood Scale 14:18 minute video
Innovative Stormwater Management at the Watershed Scale
10:11 minute video
Features for SUDS
Features for SUDS
SUDS complies of a variety of features depending on local land features, soil types, climate, and local needs. The features that make up one might not match that of another, or they may share a small number of features or they may share all but a few features. Some systems will need repairs or updates due to climate extremes, as well as maintenance and check after major events such as heavy rain storms to ensure blockages are removed and don't contribute to flooding during the next snow melt or major precipitation.
Increase Water Storage Capacity
Increase Water Storage Capacity
"Increased drought can reduce the safe yield of reservoirs. To reduce this risk, increases in available storage can be made. Methods for accomplishing this may include raising a dam, practicing aquifer storage and recovery, removing accumulated sediment in reservoirs or lowering water intake elevation." - https://www.epa.gov/arc-x/climate-impacts-water-utilities#tab-3
Dams & Reservoirs
Dams & Reservoirs
These can provide energy, preserve drinking water. These can be vital for retaining water in drought-struck regions, however damming systems can break up and harm aquatic eco systems which endangers many species of fish and amphibians. They can also rob water from delicate ecosystems resulting in toxic salt lakes and desertification. These changes can in turn result in water shortages and loss of income for communities that relied on water that dams may hoard.
Forebay
Forebay
Forebay systems can be utilized in SUD and wetland systems to reduce siltation and pollution, while providing an easy way to perform maintenance on the system. A forebay can be natural or excavated and is specifically designed to slow down waters, allowing for gravity-powered separation of water from sediments which can otherwise damage ecosystems downstream.
Swales and Berms
Swales and Berms
These can work separately or in conjunction to slow water and redirect it through landscape where it can reduce local temperatures and heat island effects, reduce pollution and erosion, all while reducing the chance and impact of flooding down stream. When the water is slowed down and moved strategically across a property, that water feeds the soil slowly which sequesters water where roots can reach it, which reduces water needed for gardens and crops. Over time, these structures can also help water recharge ground water resources.
Infrastructure for Aquifer Storage & Recovery
Infrastructure for Aquifer Storage & Recovery
This can reduce surface water run off and downstream flooding. Recharging ground water also means salt water intrusion can be reduced along coastal areas, while guaranteeing safe ground water for future generations.
"Increasing the amount of groundwater storage available promotes recharge when surface water flows are in excess of demand, thus increasing climate resilience for seasonal or extended periods of drought, and taking advantage of seasonal variations in surface water runoff. Depending on whether natural or artificial aquifer recharge is employed, the required infrastructure may include percolation basins and injection wells." - https://www.epa.gov/arc-x/climate-impacts-water-utilities#tab-3
Technical Designs for Ground Water Recharge (PDF) includes black and white illustrations.
Multipurpose
Multipurpose
Urban Pond Storm Water Storage
Urban Pond Storm Water Storage
These systems can be used to save valuable urban space by storing water under parking areas. Exit drains, overflow systems for high-volume rain events, keep the system within detention pond guidelines. Options for infiltration including drainage holes at the base of the systems. A gravel base can improve infiltration. Pumps and controls can be added to the system for landscape use in around and on top of the UrbanPond, with it's parking facilities. Treatment technology can capture trash, sediment, and chemicals before the water is stored, making it safer for irrigation, detention, or infiltration.
Wetlands: Natural & Manmade
Wetlands: Natural & Manmade
Wetlands are natural sponges and vital for the survival of a large percentage of species, especially migratory birds.
Wetlands and Wetland Restoration (USA) "Recommendations of the Wetland Expert Panel for the incorporation of non-tidal wetland best management practices (BMPs) and land uses in the Phase 6 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Model"
SEPA's Engineering in the Water Environment Good Practice Guide, Riparian Vegetation Management (Scotland) "This document is one of a series of good practice guides produced by SEPA to help people involved in the selection of sustainable engineering solutions that minimize harm to the water environment. This Guide provides guidance on the establishment and sustainable management of vegetation in the riparian zone of rivers, lochs and wetlands for the benefit of the environment and people."
Wetland Filtration 4:35 minute video demonstrates how man-made wetland filtration systems can release water up through man-made wetland filters made from specialized equipment, buried in rock substrate and wetland plants.
These systems slow water, while filtering it of sediment and pollutants. Suggested maintenance: lift filter lid and clean out sediment at least once a year depending on local needs. Video shows installation and finished, functional system.
Controlled Release
Controlled Release
Beaver Dam Analogs
Beaver Dam Analogs
These are small, temporary dams designed to mimic beaver dams with local plant matter. Some even encourage beavers to move in, from which point their can take over the work, saving money, water, and improving ecosystems. Thece can be build with some simple wooden posts (live posts from indiginous trees can sprout into trees instead of rotting over time like older/dead posts) and locally gathered sticks. A post pounder may be needed for larger projects, but some can and have been built by a single person.
Dams like these work best in groups. Begin with 1-3, watch how the water behaves, and then add more BDAs as needed. Some dams will last for a few months, and others may last for years, especially if a beaver chooses to maintain it. This is an expected part of the natural process.
Restoring Streams Post-Fire with Low-Tech Structures in Idaho (8:49 minute video)
Beavers
Beavers
Click the Beaver button to learn more about how beavers can cheaply and efficiently help prevent flooding, sequester water, create habitats, reduce run off pollution, and even protect against major fires. The link also includes more information about how to build structures including BDAs and PALS to mimic beaver dams or even invite them to colonize an area that may have been too dangerous for them prior to waterway alterations.
Check Dams/Gully Plugs/Trincheras
Check Dams/Gully Plugs/Trincheras
These are small (usually rock) dams that catch silt and other pollutants which allows them to break down instead of creating dead zones down stream. Slowing the water flow protects inhabitants down stream, while also allowing water absorb back into the water table. In arid or semi-arid regions this can protect down stream communities from deadly floods and extreme erosion, as the diverted water building up in the water table can turn gullies and wadis (which are generally dry except from some extreme seasonal flooding) into gentle, year-round (or almost year-round) streams as natural springs begin to flow. This is an ancient technique that prevents erosion, boosts biodiversity, while quite quickly allowing the soils of degraded habitats and farm lands to rebuild.
These may last for years, decades, or centuries. Kattas, a similar system used in India may be built, and dismantled yearly, however these are lined (most recently with synthetic liners) to increase retention/absorption of their seasonal rains.
Check Dams (gully rehabilitation and reclamation) (5:56 minute video)
"Soil erosion is a challenge throughout the world. Soil erosion results in the loss of soil and loss of usable land. If left unmanaged erosion will result in gullies. It is important to manage erosion in order to prevent the loss of valuable soil and to maintain the area of usable land. One technique for managing soil erosion and gullies is the construction of check dams.
The check dams trap the sediment behind the check dam and slowly reclaim the land. This also helps to prevent downstream impacts. Eventually the land can be reused. There are different types of check dams depending on the severity of the gully and the rate of flow of the water e.g. simple vegetation barriers, to more hardy stone based check dams. This video demonstrates how to construct check dams in erosion channels or for gully reclamation."
This 3:34 minute video talks about the two main types of check dams, suggests a wider range of building materials, explains the order in which check dams should be built to avoid creating new problems as well as the need to incorporate terraces to manage erosion, and cautions the importance of maintenance over time.
Check Dam info in Hindi (5:50 minute video) Includes building recommendations and design demonstrations.
This 1:14 minute video demonstrates how water flow and silt is effected by the presence of a check dam.
AR Sandbox: Water Harvesting Check Dams
(6:07 minutes)
This video demonstrates how check dams can alter and regenerate ecosystems, bringing more plants, trees, shade, regenerating ground water and ground porosity, which can even help generate freshwater springs lower down hill from the check dams.
"Kattas are traditional check dams built by farmers in Kerala’s Kasaragod district using mud and granite, in December every year. The stored water is used to irrigate crops till the end of May. Farmers will demolish the dams before the onset of monsoon. The check dams also recharge the groundwater table and ensure water availability even during the peak summer months."
Gabions
Gabions
These are wire cages filled with rocks, very similar in design and purpose to check dams/gully plugs/trincheras, but build to withstand stronger water flows.
For coastal restoration gabions can be used to create oyster reefs.
Ponds
Ponds
These can range from regular ponds to rain ponds. A rain pond should be planted with species who can survive a wide range of moisture levels as these features may be dry for months without rain. During heavy rain periods, plants in the basin area of these ponds should be the type that can handle waterlogged conditions in case the ponds remain full for weeks or months at a time.
Click the Gardening/Landscaping button to lean more about different types of garden features including garden ponds and rain gardens.
Spillways
Spillways
This basically means an overflow point for a pond, swale, dam, reservoir, or whatever might need to have a controlled exit point when flooding maxes out storage capacity. Picking a spillway that diverts water away from roads and urban areas, gives designers an opportunity to direct the water to places that can both handle and maybe even benefit from the extra water. Forests, orchards, wetlands, lakes, and rivers could be among the destinations, or a series of spillways can be used to passively irrigate any number of spaces including farms, forests, and even deserts with water that people need diverted away from their homes and businesses.
Swales
Swales
Swales, Ponds, & Spillways in the Rain 2 2:43 min Video demonstrates how silt can be captured in different features such as the silt pond (at around :46 seconds into the video) before emptying into waterways. "See full swales and ponds spilling in a heavy rain."
Litter Traps
Litter Traps
Litter and other types of pollution negatively effect the health of humans and wildlife. Preventing these from entering waterways or removing them as quickly as possible reduces the risks they pose to all of us protects water quality. We can use devices, design, various techniques and materials for cleaning litter and other pollutants from our water. Some of these involve meshes that need to be replaced, or bubble barricades which can control where plastic moves without interfering with boats, ships, or wildlife. Simply allowing nature to do her thing can result in biological litter traps.
Click the Litter Trap button to learn about specific designs that can be used within watersheds and SUDS to reduce pollution. There's also a section about wetlands and planting for cleaner water, and links to resources to determine and find appropriate plants for your project.
Click the Plastic Clean Up button for techniques, designs, organizations to join or support, and for safety advice.
Rain Gardens
Rain Gardens
Public water gardens or one built near public areas such as roads may catch plastic and other types of pollution. Maintenance to ensure these are cleaned out is important, but plants in the garden will help neutralize chemical pollutants.
Water Garden
Water Garden
Click the Water Gardens button to learn more about these garden which can affect water quality and retention.
Ocean-Friendly Gardens
Ocean-Friendly Gardens
Click the Ocean-Friendly Gardening button to learn how to make your landscapes "ocean friendly" so that any run off, will not contribute to any aquatic die-offs.
"Why Native Plants?" Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership, USA
Wetlands
Wetlands
Wetlands can be natural or man-made. In some places people are working hard to undo human "upgrades" so that historical wetlands can return to their former duty of protecting communities, repairing the water cycle, and providing their many biological functions.
These wild spaces not only dissipate and capture pollution, but wetland plants have been specifically identified which are able to remove pollutants such as PFAS from soil and water.
Click the PFAS Cleanup button to learn which species have been identified as effective for removing PFAS from the environment.
Europe
Europe
Scotland
SEPA's Engineering in the Water Environment Good Practice Guide, Riparian Vegetation Management "This document is one of a series of good practice guides produced by SEPA to help people involved in the selection of sustainable engineering solutions that minimize harm to the water environment. This Guide provides guidance on the establishment and sustainable management of vegetation in the riparian zone of rivers, lochs and wetlands for the benefit of the environment and people."
North America
North America
USA
Maryland’s Chesapeake and Coastal Grants Gateway (Grants Gateway) was created to streamline the grant application process for government and non-governmental organizations as well as academic institutions. Grants Gateway provides a one-stop location for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy ecosystems, communities, and economies that are resilient in the face of change.
Wetlands and Wetland Restoration (USA) "Recommendations of the Wetland Expert Panel for the incorporation of non-tidal wetland best management practices (BMPs) and land uses in the Phase 6 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Model"
Resources & Tools
Resources & Tools
Greener LAND "This tool helps you decide which landscape interventions are best suited towards landscape restoration for the landscape you operate in. Start by selecting the characteristics of your landscape on your left." Suggestions include solutions to errosion, flooding, and can help protect landscapes against droughts.
Technical Designs for Ground Water Recharge (PDF) includes black and white illustrations.
Water Pumping
Water Pumping
The pumping of water takes a larger amount than many people realize. Pumping ground water for agricultural, industry, or public use, moving it between facilities, etc. all require energy since water is a fairly heavy substance.
STEEP "is a free Excel-based reference guide that can be used to make system assessments and identify potential areas for energy use savings in existing or planned water supply and wastewater facility projects."
Organizations
Organizations
Asia
Asia
Livable Cities "... has three operational approaches or pillars: Improve coverage, quality efficiency, and reliability of services in urban areas; strengthen urban planning and financial sustainability of cities; and improve urban environment, climate resilience and disaster management of cities.
With 65% of people in Asia and the Pacific set to live in cities by 2050, we have gathered stories and lessons that will ensure cities in Asia and the Pacific are inclusive, competitive, environmentally sustainable, and resilient."
North America
North America
USA
USA
Anthropocene Alliance (A2) "has almost 300 member-communities in 41 U.S. states and territories. They are impacted by flooding, toxic waste, wildfires, and drought and heat — all compounded by reckless development and climate change. The consequence is broken lives and a ravaged environment.
The goal of A2 is to help communities fight back. We do that by providing them organizing support, scientific and technical guidance, and better access to foundation and government funding. Most of all, our work consists of listening to our frontline leaders. Their experience, research, and solidarity guide everything we do, and offer a path toward environmental and social justice.
Supported by outstanding partner organizations with expertise in engineering, hydrology, public health, planning, and the law, A2 leaders have successfully halted developments in climate-vulnerable areas; implemented nature-based hazard mitigation strategies; organized home buyouts; and pushed for clean-ups at superfund sites, toxic landfills, and petrochemical plants.
We support everyone we can, but our special priority is people who have suffered the worst environmental impacts for the longest time; that usually means low-income, Black, Latinx, Native American and other underserved communities.
To learn about our policies, read our A 10-Point Platform on Climate Change."
Ashoka's Community Greens A non-profit organization that empowers citizens to create and manage shared green spaces where people live and work.
Minnesota
The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization "works to protect and improve water quality, habitat and natural resources in an urban watershed that drains directly into the Mississippi River. We are a joint-powers local government unit and one of approximately three dozen watershed organizations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area."
Maps
Maps
International
International
Butterfly Conservation: Wild Spaces: Put Your Wild Space on the Map "Our interactive map shows the number and types of Wild Space near you. When you sign up in the UK, your Wild Space will also appear on the map so you can show everyone that you're taking action and encourage others to get involved too."
Europe
Europe
UK
UK
Butterfly Conservation: Wild Spaces: Put Your Wild Space on the Map "Our interactive map shows the number and types of Wild Space near you. When you sign up in the UK, your Wild Space will also appear on the map so you can show everyone that you're taking action and encourage others to get involved too."
North America
North America
USA
USA
Stormwater Management and Restoration Tracking (SMART) Tool (Interactive) Tool tracks storm water management practices in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed which spans, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia
Grants & Funding
Grants & Funding
Asia
Asia
Livable Cities: Financing Partnership Facility "The urban operations of ADB benefits from the support of notable trust funds, which are collectively referred to as the Urban Financing Partnership Facility. Under this umbrella, strategic, long-term, multi-partner investments on innovative urban solutions are implemented. These investments help to achieve the vision of livable cities." These include:
Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund (UCCRTF) eligible countries include Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, and Vietnam.
Europe
Europe
UK
UK
National award schemes There are a number of key organisations offering grants and advice to community based projects e.g.
Big Lottery Fund "Groups can apply to us for funding under £20,000, or over £20,001, depending on what they want to do."
Heritage Fund "We fund projects of all sizes that connect people and communities to the UK’s heritage."
Grow Wild UK "Bringing people together to value and enjoy wildflowers and fungi"
North America
North America
USA
USA
Minnesota
Stewardship Fund Grants "support public efforts to manage stormwater, control pollution, and improve water quality and habitat."
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