Open AccessImproving Urban Stormwater Quality: Applying Fundamental Principles
Author(s) -
Davis Allen P.,
Traver Robert G.,
Hunt William F.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of contemporary water research and education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1936-704X
pISSN - 1936-7031
DOI - 10.1111/j.1936-704x.2010.00387.x
Subject(s) - bioretention , surface runoff , environmental science , low impact development , stormwater , infiltration (hvac) , water quality , drainage , water cycle , hydrology (agriculture) , environmental engineering , engineering , geotechnical engineering , stormwater management , meteorology , ecology , biology , physics
Urban stormwater runoff is a growing contributor to the impairment of surface waters. Nature‐based technologies, including green roofs, vegetated swales, grassed filter strips, bioretention, and pervious pavements have been demonstrated to be effective in mitigating detrimental runoff characteristics. Lacking, however, has been a fundamental engineering analysis approach to these technologies. Current design guidance is based on empirical recommendations and most performance data are based on limited, localized observations. Flow balances, including infiltration, evapotranspiration and surface discharge, based on fundamental fluid dynamics principles can be employed through analysis to understand flow management. Water quality improvements will occur through a specific unit processes or mechanisms, including sedimentation, filtration, adsorption, biotransformation, bio‐uptake, and heat transfer. The performance of a specific technology will depend on the facility configuration and makeup, climate, surrounding soil characteristics, topography, and the site hydrology. Applying fundamental flow and water quality processes to storm water management technologies will allow quantitative design and predictable performance characterization.