GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR URBAM STORM WATER

Urbanization presents numerous challenges, including the management of storm water in densely populated areas. As cities grow, impervious surfaces like roads, pavements, and buildings increase, leading to heightened storm water runoff and environmental and infrastructural problems. In response, there is growing interest in green infrastructure as an effective and sustainable solution for urban storm water management. Traditional grey infrastructure, such as storm drains and sewers, contribute to water degradation, flooding, erosion, and threats to infrastructure and natural ecosystems. Green infrastructure uses natural or nature-based methods, such as permeable pavements, green roofs, rain gardens, and urban forests, to slow down, capture, and filter storm water, mimicking the functions of natural landscapes and reducing the impact of urbanization on hydrological cycles. Green infrastructure is driven by the importance of preserving and restoring natural water balance in urban areas, which helps recharge groundwater, maintain base flows in streams, reduce the risk of flooding and drought, and enhance the resilience of urban ecosystems to climate change. Beyond hydrological benefits, green infrastructure also brings ecological and social advantages, such as enhancing biodiversity, providing recreational spaces for residents, and enhancing property values.