Rain Barrels Research Articles

A Low-Impact Development-Based Modeling Framework for Flood Mitigation in a Coastal Community

Urbanization is known to increase the volume of stormwater runoff and peak flow rates, which leads to changes in the natural flow regime and increases the likelihood of flooding. Low-impact development (LID) practices seek to reduce runoff volume and peak flow and are generally considered to be a more sustainable solution for urban stormwater management. In this study, we present a systematic approach to address nuisance flooding issues in small cities and communities. As an application, the effectiveness of two LID practices, rain barrels and permeable pavements, were explored in mitigating the urban flooding problem of a highly urbanized small coastal watershed in Alabama, USA. The EPA Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) was first calibrated for water depth using data collected at multiple sites within the watershed during the 2014–2015 period. The calibrated model was then used to first identify the areas prone to flooding using design storms with 1, 2, 5-, 10-, 50-, and 100-year return periods. Floodplain maps were generated for those design storms with HEC-RAS. Next, LID options upstream of those flood-prone areas were assessed to potentially minimize the flooding risks. The results indicate that LID controls can have considerable benefits for stormwater management by reducing runoff volume (1–24%), peak flow rates (18–25%), and water depth (5–15%), potentially returning watersheds to their natural flow regimes, thereby minimizing the flooding risk in urbanized areas. However, the effectiveness of LIDs, especially for the runoff volume, quickly diminishes as the return periods of the storms increase. Rain barrels were identified as the most economical and effective LID within the drainage system.

Performance of low impact development techniques in flood hazard mitigation in a closed urbanised catchment for extreme precipitation events

ABSTRACT Sealing of surfaces alters the natural hydrological conditions, thereby increasing the urban flood risk. Rainwater management in urban environments has traditionally been performed using conventional urban drainage systems (UDS). However, low impact development (LID) solutions have been recognised in recent decades as effective in controlling runoff. The present work aims to evaluate the efficiency of LID techniques in flood control in a closed basin characterised by high urbanisation for three extreme precipitation events in the city of Natal, Brazil, using 1D/2D modelling. Two techniques were tested, namely bioretention cells (BCs) and rain barrels (RBs) alone or combined. The existing UDS in the area proved unable to control flooding of the basin. Water depths exceeded 0.5 m in all events. The efficiency of the LID solutions evaluated was extremely low, with reductions of less than 1% for highest hazard class. Combining the techniques produced better performance than implementing isolated techniques.

Assessment of low impact development (LID) strategies under different land uses in an urban sub-catchment in the Philippines

Lack of studies in developing countries with tropical climate such as the Philippines limit local LID adoption. This study compared the performance of different LID scenarios across different urban land use types at the sub-catchment level using peak flow, runoff volume and flood reductions as performance criteria. Results showed that the most effective strategies for each land use are: 1) combined green roof and bioretention for low-density residential (reduction up to 10% peak flow, 11% runoff volume and 33% flood volume); 2) green roof for high-density residential (8% peak flow, 6% runoff volume and 18% flood volume); 3) combined rain barrel, bioretention and permeable pavement for industrial (23% peak flow, 41% runoff volume and 56% flood volume), and 4) combined vegetative swale and detention pond for urban open spaces (81% peak flow, 8% runoff volume and 84% flood volume). While effective for most low intensity storms, the observed sharp decrease in LID performance with increased rainfall intensity poses a major challenge, especially in the context of the Philippines frequented by high intensity storms. This study also examined how differences in land use characteristics influence LID performance, unlike most studies that focused on LID type comparisons. It showed that low urban density setting positively affected peak flow and flood reduction performance of rain barrels and green roofs, while good drainage infrastructure quality positively affected peak flow and flood reduction performance of rain barrels and bioretention. Decision-makers may use these findings to conduct rapid assessments on LID selection and siting, provided similarities between land use characteristics described in this study and those at their localities are justified. This can lead to increased LID adoption towards building water resilient, and sustainable cities.

The role of Nature-Based Solutions for the water flow management in a Mediterranean urban area

Due to climate change and rapid urban sprawl, central Mediterranean regions are subjected to short but intensive storm events resulting in a significant increase of flow rates and runoff volumes in low-lying coastal urban areas. Within the framework of green urban infrastructures (GUIs), a suitable combination of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) with traditional grey infrastructures should be adopted to mitigate flood risk effects in urban and sub-urban areas contributing at the same time to achieve multiple benefits for both the environment and the community. The aim of this study is (i) to evaluate flood hazard maps for identifying the areas within a Sicilian hydrological river basin (Toscano catchment) with a high risk of flooding by implementing the HEC-RAS model at catchment scale; (ii) to quantify the peak flow and floodplain area reduction; (iii) to assess the effectiveness of small-scale NBS (green roofs, porous pavements, rain gardens and rain barrel), in terms of peak flow and runoff volume reductions, at urban block scale by using the EPA SWMM model Model simulations are performed integrating the hydraulic (HEC-RAS) and hydrological (EPA SWMM) models for return periods of 10, 50 and 200 years. The results showed that the estimated peak flow (m3 s−1) obtained from the simulations performed at catchment scale for each T in the current scenario (without NBS) using HEC-RAS and EPA SWMM models are very close to each other (R2 = 0.99). In addition, the utopian scenario simulation showed the HEC-RAS model sensitivity to CN calibration achieving a peak flow reduction up to about 60% with the floodplain area decreasing up to about 17%. Finally, the model EPA SWMM shows its sensitivity to NBS implementation at urban block scale with a peak flow reduction up to about 16% and a runoff volume (mm) reduction up to about 24%. These reductions decrease as T increases with a higher NBS mitigation effects for the lowest T. The results highlighted that the integration of NBS in urban areas could have hydrological and hydraulic positive effects, particularly in terms of peak flow and runoff volume reduction. Furthermore, the results suggest that small-scale NBS have a potential to be effective to smaller rainfall events, but a combination with large-scale NBS is necessary to cope with extreme events.

Community perception towards sustainable urban stormwater management practices: a case study in Thu Duc City, Vietnam

Abstract Sustainable urban Stormwater Management (SSM) is currently widely implemented globally to support urban flood management efforts. It is commonly known by terms such as Green Infrastructure (GI), Best Management Practice (BMP), Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) or Low Impact Development (LID). However, in Vietnam, these approaches are still relatively new and have not been widely adopted due to various barriers, including community perception. Therefore, this study conducted a preliminary social survey in the Thu Duc City area to gain a deeper understanding of perspectives, knowledge, and support for SSM practices. The results showed that among the surveyed residents, 78% favored a centralized stormwater management manner (e.g., retention/detention ponds,…), 51% preferred a decentralized manner (e.g., rain gardens, infiltration trenches,…) and 45% considered household-level practices (e.g., green roofs, rain barrels,…). Additionally, when asked about financial contributions towards implementing these practices, approximately 70% did not support the idea, and 50% believed it was the government’s responsibility. The research findings highlight the diversity in urban residents’ perceptions and opinions regarding stormwater management. This study provides essential foundational information for the development of policies and strategies to effectively promote SSM practices, aiming to mitigate urban flooding and contribute to environmental protection.

Implikasi Low Impact Develompent (LID) Untuk Mereduksi Limapasan Pada Ruas Jalan Lingkar Selatan Kota Sukabumi

The condition of the Drainage Network in the South Ring Road section of Sukabumi City has problems when the rainy season arrives, one of the problems faced is the occurrence of runoff on the road and several sub-catchments. Runoff problems in drainage channels are caused by fill of garbage, sedimentation and vegetation that impact on the capacity of channel. It is necessary to conduct a study related to the condition of the existing channel to provide a solution in handling overflows. Primary data used is direct observation at the study site to obtain channel dimensions and channel elevations in existing conditions. Secondary data in the form of maximum rainfall points at the study site (NASA source) for 42 years. Based on the 5-year return period design rainfall calculation with the Log Pearson III Distribution method (selected method), simulated with the Personal Computer Storm Water Management Models. The results of the analysis show that there is flooding at the junction of 4 points in the conditions of the 5-year return period design rainfall. To reduce flooding, it is necessary to evaluate the drainage system by maximizing the function of existing land in each sub-catchment by installing Low Impact Development (LID) instruments in the form of Rain Barrel, Rain Garden and Bio-Retention at a number of sub-catchment points affected by flooding. The simulation results show that there is a reduction in average runoff of 35% so that the installation of LID instruments can be used to minimize the impact of flooding.Keywords:Channel, Drainage, LID, Runoff, Sub-catchment

Effective Storm Water Management in The Urban Area – A Case Study

Urbanization and climate change have negative effects on the changes of natural precipitation and runoff regime, which results with more frequent floods and landslides. Besides of the increased quantity of the stormwater that drainage channels have to collect, neg- ative consequences of urbanization are also evident through increased pollution of runoff stormwater. Stormwater has immense impacts on urban flooding and water quality, leaving the marginalized and the impoverished disproportionately impacted by and vulnerable to stormwater hazards. However, the environmental health concerns of socially and econom- ically marginalized individuals are largely underestimated. Therefore stormwater manage- ment should be adapted to these changes so that the negative effects of new hydrological conditions of precipitation and runoff and stormwater pollution in the urban areas are mitigated. By 2050 the world population will grow to about 9 billion contributing to deep changes in urban areas structure. This would increase the effect of water deficiency and along with projected climate changes the impact of urban flooding, urban heat islands or drought. Stormwater threats can be mitigated with the application of stormwater management meth- ods named differently such as ‘Sustainable (Urban) Drainage Systems’ (SUDS), ‘Low Impact Development’ (LID) or ‘Best Management Practices’ (BMPs). This method includes differ- ent techniques such as Green roof, Rain barrels and cisterns, Infiltration basin, Detention Ponds, Retention Ponds, Green walls, Porous pavements, Bioretention basins, Bioswales. The aim of the research includes a study of the effectiveness of urban stormwater manage- ment techniques for the case study area. The concept of urban stormwater management techniques refers to the ability to provide and manage this primary resource in quantitative and qualitative terms in order to satisfy the future needs of population. The storm wa- ter management techniques provides several benefits: mitigation of the urban heat island effects, reduction of air pollution, additionally, It induces important hydraulic advantages acting as an effective tool for reducing flood risk in urban area with runoff reduction, attenuation and delay of the peak flow. The results confirm that bioretention basin, Permeable pavement, Grassed swale, Infiltration basin are effective techniques for the reduction of total runoff volume of rainwater falling on their area.

Quantifying suitable low-impact development practices in mitigating runoff floods for the Kinyerezi River catchment in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

ABSTRACT As cities expand, changes in land use increase the runoff quantities. Impermeable catchment areas contribute to peak flows, causing floods in insufficiently capacity river reaches. The rate of urbanization witnessed in the Kinyerezi River catchment in Dar es Salaam has contributed to floods in the Msimbazi River. The low-impact development (LID) practices that include bioretention (BR) ponds, rain barrels (RBs), rain gardens (RGs), vegetative swales (VSs), constructed wetlands (CWs), etc., can be utilized to mitigate a portion of the surface runoff. This study aims to quantify the suitable LID practices for the Kinyerezi River catchment in mitigating a portion of runoff floods. The sub-catchment physical characteristics and soil infiltration rates (Ks) were matched with each LID sitting requirements and later by multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). The results on matching sub-catchment characteristics and LID sitting requirements indicated that BRs, RBs, VSs, RGs, and CWs were the preferable LIDs while MCDM analysis indicated the BRs, RGs, and RBs more appropriate. The BRs, RGs, and RBs were quantified to be 101, 3,698, and 3,698, respectively, within the catchment. BRs are recommended for catchment use while RBs and RGs are recommended for residential buildings. The RBs have the advantage of promoting water-demanding economic activities.

Green infrastructure layout based on a dynamic operation feature of drainage systems.

Increasingly frequent urban floods strain the traditional grey infrastructure, overwhelming the capacity of drainage networks and causing challenges in managing stormwater. The heavy precipitation leads to flooding and damage to drainage systems. Consequently, efficient mitigation strategies for flooding have been researched deeply. Green infrastructure (GI) has proved to be effective in responding the increasing risk of flood and alleviate pressure on drainage systems. However, as the primary infrastructure of stormwater management, there is still a lack of attention to the dynamic operation feature of urban sewer systems during precipitation events. To fill this gap, we proposed a novel approach that integrates hydraulic characteristics and the topological structure of a sewer network system. This approach aims to identify influential nodes, which contribute to the connectivity of the sewer network amidst dynamic changes in inflow during precipitation events. Furthermore, we adopted rain barrels to serve as exemplars of GI, and 14 GI layout schemes are produced based on the different ranks of influential nodes. Implementing GI measures on both poorly performing and well-performing nodes can yield distinct benefits in mitigating node flooding. This approach provides a new perspective for stormwater management, establishing effective synergy between GI and the drainage system.

Use of Function Diagrams in Physiology Education: Nessie the Nephron and Navigating the Lochs

Function diagrams focus on physiological concepts rather than associated structures and can serve as elaboration tools and mnemonic aids. A function diagram prototype of the gastrointestinal system was recently described (Wilson & Barrett, Adv Physiol Educ, 45:264–268, 2021). Currently, a functional diagram of the glomerulus, nephron, urinary system, and bladder is proposed. Colloquially named “Nessie the Nephron” to loosely capture the looping structure and illusive understanding of renal blood flow, glomerular filtration, and epithelial transport for the student, not to mention the nearly mythical countercurrent multiplier. “Navigating the Lochs” references Nessie’s possible habitat and more importantly the movement and storage of the modified ultrafiltrate from the nephron. The primary analogies that form the structure of this function diagram are: Rain Barrel, Soaker Hose, & Hose Nozzle (afferent and efferent blood flow and filtration pressure); Water Purification System (glomerular filtration barrier forming multiple step filtration process involving the capillary, basement membrane, and podocytes); Mixed Recycling Machine (proximal tubule individual, co-, and bulk transport); Desiccator & Briner (thin descending limb removal of water and thin/thick ascending limb movement of salt); Conveyor Belt Picker (distal nephron selective ion transport); and Concentrator (collecting duct water and urea transport). The primary analogies that elaborate “Navigating the Lochs” are Aqueduct & Cistern System (fluid movement and collection); and Pressure Gauge, Syringe Bulb, and Two-valve Plumbing (bladder storage and micturition). Complimenting these analogies is the rich potential for inclusion of clinical and comparative applications and examples to link previous knowledge and strengthen memories for future retrieval. University of Kentucky College of Medicine. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Site selection for nature-based solutions for stormwater management in urban areas: An approach combining GIS and multi-criteria analysis

In recent years, particularly following the definition of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) have gained considerable attention, capturing the interest of both the scientific community and policymakers committed to addressing urban environmental issues. However, the need for studies to guide decision-makers in identifying suitable locations for NBS implementation within urban stormwater management is evident. To address this gap, the present study employs a methodological approach grounded in multi-criteria analysis integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identify areas with potential for NBS implementation. In this process, ten NBS were proposed and tested in the drainage area of a shallow tropical urban lake in Londrina, southern Brazil. Additionally, the study investigates areas hosting lower-income populations, a relevant aspect for public managers given the diverse economic subsidies required to implement NBS. Furthermore, the study incorporates a preliminary analysis that evaluates the potential ecosystem benefits to determine the most suitable NBS for a specific site. The result shows that all the ten analyzed NBS were deemed suitable for the study area. Rain barrels had the highest percentage coverage in the study area (37.1%), followed by tree pits (27.9%), and rain gardens (25.4%). Despite having the highest distribution in the basin area, rain barrels exhibited only moderate ecosystem benefits, prompting the prioritization of other NBS with more significant ecological advantages in the final integrated map. In summary, the methodology proposed showed to be a robust approach to selecting optimal solutions in densely populated urban areas.

Application of multi-criteria decision-making on low-impact development practice selection for the Kinyerezi River sub-catchments in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The impermeable areas in catchments are proportional to peak flows that result in floods in river reaches where the flow-carrying capacity is inadequate. The high rate of urbanization witnessed in the Kinyerezi River catchment in Dar es Salaam city has been noted to contribute to floods and siltation in the Msimbazi River. The Low-Impact Development (LID) practices that includes bio-retention (BR) ponds, rain barrels (RBs), green roofs (GRs), etc. can be utilized to mitigate portion of the surface runoff. This study aims to propose suitable LID practices and their sizes for mitigating runoff floods in the Kinyerezi River catchment using the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach. The results indicated that the BR and RBs were ranked high in capturing the surface runoff while the sediment control fences were observed to be the best in reducing sediments flowing into the BR. The proposed BR ponds were greater than 800 m2 with 1.2 m depth while RB sizes for Kinyerezi and Kisungu secondary schools and Kinyerezi and Kifuru primary schools were 2,730; 2,748; 1,385; and 1,020 m3, respectively. The BR ponds and RBs are capable of promoting water-demanding economic activities such as horticulture, gardening, car washing while reducing the school expenses and runoff generation.

A fuzzy TOPSIS-based approach for prioritizing low-impact development methods in high-density residential areas.

The study successfully implemented six low-impact development (LID) methods to manage surface runoff in urban areas: green roof, infiltration trench, bio retention cell, rain barrel, green roof combined with infiltration trench, and rain barrel combined with bio-retention cell. Each method has unique benefits in mitigating surface runoff effects in urban environments. The following four indicators were used to evaluate the methods: runoff volume reduction, peak runoff flow rate reduction, economic sustainability, and social sustainability. The study, which lasted approximately 4 months, was conducted in an eastern Tehran metropolis residential area with a mix of old and new buildings. The SWMM model determined runoff volume and peak flow values, and a price analysis list determined the economic index. Local experts completed 25 questionnaires to evaluate the social index. Fuzzy TOPSIS multi-indicator decision criteria were used to prioritize LID methods, and the Rain barrel + Bio retention cell combined scenario emerged as the best option based on all four criteria. The method reduced peak runoff flow by 23.1-66.1% under rainfall with 10-year return periods. The green roof + infiltration trench method had the highest percentage reduction of 2,737 m3, while the infiltration trench had the lowest reduction of 273 m3.

STUDI SISTEM JARINGAN DRAINASE DI RUAS JALAN CIHANJUANG KOTA CIMAHI

The drainage system on the Cihanjuang road in Cimahi City experiences flooding problems, especially during the rainy season. Flooding factors are caused by sedimentation, clogged garbage, and rainwater runoff from each settlement that cannot be accommodated. Based on these problems, research was carried out as an effort to overcome the problems that occurred. The method in this research uses a descriptive evaluative method, namely a research method that evaluates conditions objectively/as is. Primary data in this research was obtained by surveying the condition of the drainage channel at the location to determine the dimensions and existing conditions of the channel. Secondary data in this research was obtained via the NASA website in the form of rainfall data for the last 20 years. The rainfall calculation method used in this research is the Log Normal method with a rainfall intensity value of 74.316 mm with a return period of 2 years. This research uses EPA SWMM 5.2.3 computer software as a tool to carry out hydraulic analysis. The research results showed that there were four channel locations with existing drainage channel capacity that could not accommodate water runoff, namely J_10, J_17, J_21, J_48. So that Low Impact Development (LID) planning is carried out in each water catchment area to reduce water runoff. The results obtained show that the application of LID can overcome flooding problems. Apart from that, cost calculations were also carried out in making the four types of LID used, namely Bioretention-cell, Rain Garden, Permeable Pavement and Rain Barrel.

Urban agriculture in Baltimore, Maryland: Documenting current irrigation practices and rainwater harvesting

AbstractRainwater harvesting could address freshwater shortages impacting urban agriculture caused by climate change. Limited studies exist on perceptions and concerns about using harvested rainwater for crop irrigation, and to our knowledge none have focused on urban agriculture. We surveyed urban farms and community gardens in Baltimore, Maryland, to document current irrigation practices and water sources and determine interest in rainwater harvesting. We evaluated differences in farm/garden characteristics and water uses between those harvesting rainwater, interested in rainwater harvesting, and not interested in rainwater harvesting. Most Baltimore farms/gardens surveyed were concerned about water availability (59%, n = 20), but all had access to city‐supplied water and only 14% (n = 5) reported water access preventing site expansion. Only 18% of sites used drip irrigation (n = 11), 89% (n = 33) were not using any water filtration, and most (72%, n = 23) had never attended a produce safety training. Twenty‐seven percent (n = 10) of sites were harvesting rainwater, 54% (n = 20) were interested in harvesting rainwater, and 19% (n = 7) were not interested. Ninety percent (n = 9) of the sites currently harvesting rainwater used covered rain barrels, an important strategy for preventing contamination. There were no significant associations between farm/gardens’ rainwater harvesting interests and farming practices, water access and use, or demographics of site respondents. Those currently harvesting rainwater and those interested had numerous concerns about rainwater harvesting including installation, design, and water quality, and were interested in additional information. Offering rainwater harvesting, food safety and education programs to urban farmers and gardeners could increase the safe use of this important water source.

Urban Flood Mitigation by Implementing LIDs (Case Study: Bendung Watershed in Palembang City)

Urban areas continue to be affected by flooding, necessitating more sustainable and effective adaptation strategies and mitigation initiatives. This study investigates the potential flood reduction capability achieved through implementing various green infrastructures known as low-impact development (LID). The Bendung watershed, in the center of Palembang City, with a total area of 18.37 km2, is used as the study area to evaluate the performance of LID infrastructure in reducing flood parameters, including total runoff volume, peak runoff discharge, runoff coefficient, and flooding area. Five types of LID infrastructure were simulated, namely bio-retention cells, rain gardens, permeable pavements, rain barrels, and recharge wells. The flood simulations were performed using four design storms with 2-, 5-, 10-, and 25-year return periods. Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and simulations were carried out using PCSWMM Professional 2D, and the results were integrated with ArcMap to map the flood inundation. The results of this study demonstrate that with only 9.81 percent of the area occupied by LIDs, a flood reduction of more than 30% can be achieved. In addition, implementing LIDs can help restore the watershed’s hydrological condition to its natural state, as indicated by the decrease in the runoff coefficient. Thus, implementing LIDs in a sustainable urban drainage system must be widely promoted in many urban areas, especially in developed countries like Indonesia. This study can be used as a reference for the local government and authorities to create policies and regulations to establish sustainable flood mitigation measures in Palembang City.

Efficacy of rain barrels and rain gardens to reduce urban pluvial flooding in densely built-up residential areas: a case study on Miyahara-Cho in Saitama City, Japan

In recent years, flooding in densely built-up residential areas has tended to increase because of the increased frequency of heavy rain and climate change. Urban pluvial flooding mitigation is thus needed by reducing the runoff of sewer systems using green infrastructure solutions. In this regard, rain barrels (RBs) and rain gardens (RGs) are considered effective stormwater management methods. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of RBs and RGs and their combined use in reducing urban pluvial flooding in densely built-up residential areas. This research undertook a case study in Miyahara-Cho, Saitama City, Japan. It involved the analysis of the total runoff of sewer systems and the flood condition in the sewer to verify the rainwater runoff control effect of RBs and RGs through simulations using the US Environmental Protection Agency’s stormwater management model. This study simulates two main types of rainfall events: short duration and long duration. The results of the short duration rainfall showed that the combination of RBs and RGs is highly effective and can reduce the impact of excess runoff. In the case of the long duration rainfall, the volume and speed of stormwater runoff of the first peak rainfall were reduced.

Study on Calculating Appropriate Impact Assessment for LID Facility Using A-I-R Curve

Low impact development (LID) facilities are designed to maintain water circulation functions on the surface and subsurface. LID facilities can be applied to various areas and are expected to have both short-term and long-term effects, making them widely installed in urban areas. In this study, our objective is to calculate the A-I-R (Area ratio-rainfall Intensity-Runoff reduction rate) curve by applying design standards to tree filter boxes, garden plant pots, infiltration ditches, and rain barrels among various LID facilities. The analysis was conducted by constructing a SWMM-LID model and analyzing 209 items, considering the area ratio (A) and rainfall intensity (I) of the LID facilities. The runoff reduction rate (R) varies by LID facility according to the A-I-R curve. It reaches up to 100.0% for rain barrels, up to 30.0% for infiltration ditches, up to 20.0% for garden plant pot, and up to 12.0% for tree filter boxes. If the A-I-R curve of the LID facility is applied to the design standards, it is expected to facilitate the design of the facility’s size and inlet according to the target reduction rate.

Design and spatial pattern optimization for a sponge city using factor analysis and geographical statistics to restore urban resilience: A case study in a coastal area of China

Abstract The sponge city is a new concept of stormwater management for ecological city construction, which aims to restore water-cycle processes and reduce runoff. Cities in coastal districts are suffering from serious instability due to high population density, urbanization, and land-use changes. However, previous research contains few evaluations of balancing urban ecological indicators of sponge city performance, including geographical, environmental, economic, and social factors, and their effect on resilience at a macro level to develop low-impact development schemes. In this study, we developed an integrated framework using factor analysis, geographical statistics, multi-objective analysis, and remote sensing methods to extract the factors influencing sponge city resilience and to establish spatial pattern schemes. The results indicated that the urbanization degree and plant adaptability had the greatest impact on sponge city performance, with weights of 45 and 27%, respectively. Sponge city spatial pattern schemes performed the best in the combination scenario of 14.8–46.8% green roofs (by area ratio) supported by grooves and rain barrels +10% herbaceous basins divided into units by ecological tree pools +10% permeable pavements and sidewalks. This scenario balanced facilities and cost to optimize the spatial pattern, which improved sponge city adaptability and urban ecological conditions.

Rain Barrel Water Quality in Florida

Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water, save money, and contribute to a sustainable landscape. However, adoption of rain barrels is low with homeowners concerned about water quality especially from different roof types. Our analysis of nutrients showed that there was no difference in nutrient levels based on roof type. All water samples had low levels of nutrients and no detectable pathogens. Based on our analysis, the water collected from these rain barrels would be safe to use for non-potable uses in the landscape and garden.