International Report: Stormwater management

An international survey of urban stormwater management (SWM) practice was conducted for IWA and produced contributions from 18 countries. The survey information was further expanded by a review of recent literature and summarised in this international report on SWM. The main findings of the survey include clear indications of a widespread interest in stormwater management and of the acceptance of a holistic approach to SWM promoting sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). Specific implications of this philosophy include emphasis on source controls in SWM, transition from traditional “hard” infrastructures (drain pipes) to green infrastructures, needs for infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation, formation of stormwater agencies (within larger integrated water agencies) with participation of both public and private sectors, and sustainable funding through drainage fees rather than general taxes. Further progress in this field requires targeted research and development, knowledge sharing, and above all, a high level of public participation in planning, implementing and operating stormwater management systems.