An Engineering Approach towards Appropriate Hydrological Water Cycle in Urban Areas: First Report

Abstract

This paper presents an engineering approach for planning comprehensive mitigation measures to improve the hydrological water cycle deteriorated due to urbanization. The hydrological water cycle is closely related to the aqua environment which supports sustainable city activities, creates a natural amenity, and derives the friendly relationship between residents and water. In order to study this in more detail, the Shingasi River basin was selected as a study area, which is located in the suburbs of Tokyo metropolitan region and has a catchment area of 390 km2. The practical study was conducted based on the standard investigative procedure. The hydrological water cycle was evaluated for the past and present condition and its condition in the future was predicted by means of a numerical method. The goal of a project for implementing the mitigation measures should be set up carefully to be understood by both government and local residents. In order to satisfy the project goals, various measures including rainwater storage and infiltration facilities were taken into account. The co-operative system was proposed for getting consensus among the governments and the local residents. It is also pointed out that great effort should be paid for creating the positive activity of the organizers and interpreting the engineering assessment to be understandable for all the relevant members.