Misconceptions About Land Use And Stormwater Runoff

A new academic study questions fundamental concepts and misconceptions routinely accepted in stormwater quality management.

1 minute read

December 10, 2004, 1:00 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Urbanisation significantly impacts water environments with increased runoff and the degradation of water quality. The management of quantity impacts are straight forward, but quality impacts are far more complex. Current approaches to safeguard water quality are largely ineffective and guided by entrenched misconceptions with a primary focus on 'end-of-pipe' solutions. The outcomes of a research study presented in the paper, which investigated relationships between water quality and six different land uses offer practical guidance in the planning of future urban developments. In terms of safeguarding water quality, high-density residential development which results in a relatively smaller footprint would be the preferred option. The research study outcomes bring into question a number of fundamental concepts and misconceptions routinely accepted in stormwater quality management. The research findings confirmed the need to move beyond customary structural measures and identified the key role that urban planning can play in safeguarding urban water environments.

[Editor's note: At first appearance, it may seem that you will need to pay for access to this article. However, if you select the PDF version of the article AND THEN select the link to the abstract, you can view the full version of the article in HTML.]

Thanks to Chris Steins

Saturday, December 4, 2004 in Journal Of Environmental Management

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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