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RAND WATER EDITORIAl

MANAGING STORMWATER

RUN-OFF FOR lANDSCAPES

tormwater can be described as any
accumulation of water from natural
Sprecipitation, including groundwater
and spring water, that is transported by
an artificial stormwater system, but that
excludes potable or waste water reticulation
systems. Stormwater can be a vehicle for
various pollutants that may cause damage
to receiving water bodies.
Stormwater management is the
administering of control measures
to minimise point and non-point
pollutants in run-off to protect water
courses. Urbanisation has an impact on
stormwater quality and quantity due to
increased impermeable surfaces that can
cause flooding and pollutant run-offs
within the urban environment.
To achieve effective stormwater
management and mitigate climate
change impacts, sustainable urban
drainage systems (SuDs) have been
adopted. This concept focuses on
ensuring a sustainable management
of stormwater run-off, considering
run-off quantity, quality, amenity and
biodiversity. One of the practices used
is to manage the volume and pollution
of run-off in the drainage systems to
reduce the possibility of floods (50%
reduction) and pollution (as much as 90% One simple method of harvesting water saving benefits, it has been shown
reduction). This can also be implemented stormwater is the installation of gutters internationally that with a well-designed
in residential or commercial spaces, and constructing reasonably sized and managed SuDs system in and around
where stormwater can be collected and waterways for transportation of run-off housing developments, the result is
temporarily stored for the purpose of for storage in a retention pond/storage approximately 11% lower capital costs
reducing potable water use. Research tank. Stormwater can be used to irrigate when compared to traditional drainage
shows that stormwater harvesting for landscapes and gardens, provided there systems. Also, a 10% increase in property
irrigation and toilet flushing purposes can is an effective maintenance plan for and land value can be achieved, while
potentially reduce potable water usage the stored run-off in a retention pond maintenance costs are approximately
by more than 20%. or storage tanks. This is to avoid the 20% lower than traditional drainage
The use of harvested stormwater as development of eutrophication and schemes. More water-saving practices in
an alternative to potable water usage for subsequent effects on landscapes. landscapes and gardens are available on
irrigation is a water conservation practice. Besides the environmental, human and the Water Wise website. n

Landscape SA • Issue 122 2023 11