Challenge:

There has been an increased focus on climate adaptation solutions in cities and urban areas via Local Rainwater Harvesting (LRT). A major challenge for the use of SUDS solutions, such as rain gardens, was that treatment requirements for stormwater management were based on the recipient’s environmental goals and treatment to Best Available Techniques (BAT). BAT was currently wet retention basins, where rain gardens could not be authorised due to insufficient documentation of treatment capacity.

Solution:

This project aimed to investigate and uncover the ability of microorganisms to clean locally discharged rainwater in urban environments. While other projects focused on the overall effect, this knowledge bridge project focused on the microbiological processes. In addition, the project documented the properties of microorganisms in SUDS environments, which contributed to optimising rainwater technology.

 

Impact:

With a better understanding of the microbiological processes and their documentation, the outcome of the knowledge bridge project could increase the possibilities for SUDS solutions in the urban environment. This would contribute to a longer lifespan for SUDS solutions. The effect of the project could help maintain water quality and good chemical status for local receiving waters. Thus, rainwater management could fulfil both environmental and sustainability goals.