"Evaluation of Rainfall-Runoff Strategies to Develop Stormwater Reduction
Approaches for Watersheds in Southern California"
|
|
|
|
The quantity and quality of stormwater runoff affects the condition of local creeks, waterways, and the near-shore marine environment. Impervious surfaces, such as driveways, roofs, and parking lots, have the potential to increase stormwater flows and degrade water quality. As the South Coast region of California becomes more densely urbanized, the percentage of impervious surfaces in the region is likely to increase. Our study employed a computer-based rainfall-runoff model to examine how the percentage of impervious surfaces affects runoff characteristics in two Santa Barbara catchments, the Mission Creek watershed and the Atascadero watershed. We also researched ways to decrease the percentage of impervious surfaces in a watershed using permeable pavements, like pervious concrete. Finally, we examined strategies to encourage the use of permeable pavements within these watersheds. Our modeling results demonstrated that reducing impervious surfaces in a watershed will reduce stormwater peak flows and total flows for a variety of climatic conditions. Our research also showed that pervious concrete can decrease stormwater runoff and improve water quality. We concluded our analysis with a range of recommended economic tools, land use planning policies, and public outreach mechanisms that can be used to decrease watershed imperviousness and stormwater runoff.
|
