The Stormwater Report

Salt marshes — coastal wetlands common to northern parts of the globe that flood and drain with the movement of ocean tides — are prized for their ability to protect coastal communities by shrinking and slowing ocean waves. However, according to a recently published study, contemporary and historical data underscore an even more important function […]

Part of the challenge of achieving financial and social buy-in for flood management projects is that their benefits often only become apparent when flooding does not occur. Without the ability to demonstrate, for example, how investment in flood control by public officials can minimize future disasters or how taking simple mitigation steps can help homeowners […]

As heavy storm events become more frequent and impervious coverage spreads, the gap between current U.S. investment in stormwater management and the level necessary to satisfy Clean Water Act requirements continues to widen. According to the latest estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bolstering stormwater infrastructure to effective levels will require nearly $70 […]

In southern Italy, the pristinely preserved remains of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii have mystified historians and archaeologists since they were rediscovered nearly 300 years ago. Ongoing expeditions continue to reveal new details about the city and its people, believed to have been decimated by the sudden eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius around 79 […]

In July, flooding caused by an intense rainstorm in the Halkidiki region of northern Greece led to 7 deaths and more than 100 injuries. The flooding, which occurred in the middle of one of Greece’s traditionally driest months, knocked out water and power in much of the affected area for several weeks. The flood effects […]

Every 4 years, experts with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE; Washington, D.C.) evaluate the overall condition of U.S. infrastructure how a teacher grades a student: the best funded and maintained infrastructure sectors receive an “A,” while chronically failing and under-supported sectors receive an “F.” ASCE’s Infrastructure Report Card traditionally ranks 16 sectors ranging […]

The National Municipal Stormwater Alliance (NMSA; Alexandria, Va.) is undertaking an effort to give stormwater its first nationwide grade and is looking for input by the end of November via an online poll. This effort is meant to support and compliment the American Society of Civil Engineers Infrastructure Report Card, increasing water sector coverage and […]

Several significant bills that would benefit stormwater infrastructure investments and management are moving through the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. More concern by Congress to avoid overburdening ratepayers about community challenges to meet water infrastructure investments has led to growing support for integrated planning. Stormwater investment in particular can be hampered by limited […]

On Jan. 11, 2017, Houston mayor Sylvester Turner sent in SWAT to solve long-standing drainage problems across the city. But instead of carrying out high-stakes military operations, this SWAT — the cleverly named Storm Water Action Team — will commence work on approximately 100 deferred projects focused on maintaining and upgrading Houston’s aging flood management […]

Embracing the concept of green stormwater infrastructure management, the city of Palo Alto, Calif., hopes to undertake a massive effort to revamp its crumbling storm drain system. The decision will go beyond simply more pumps and collection lines to encompass an entirely different way of viewing stormwater. Palo Alto Department of Public Works (DPW) officials […]