How US Communities Are Building Resilience Against Flooding

Flooding is becoming increasingly deadly and costly for American communities. In recent years, the cost of flooding has reached almost $496 billion annually.

In an article in Governing, Carl Smith explains how the crisis is reaching more places — even some thought to be ‘climate havens’ — and how cities are taking action to protect their residents and infrastructure.

To both prepare for potential flooding and conserve water to ensure a steady supply during droughts, cities are building ‘green’ stormwater infrastructure that returns water to the soil and channels it to retention ponds rather than letting it drain to lakes or oceans. 

Because watersheds cross multiple jurisdictions, policymakers and planners need to collaborate across cities, counties, and states. “Stormwater needs to be considered as part of the larger water picture. Runoff from city streets or farmland can pollute drinking water. Floods can overwhelm wastewater systems. Ideally, these systems can be integrated in ways that create savings rather than damage. Stormwater retention can recharge aquifers and all sorts of recycled water can be used for drinking.”