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The City has an ambitious goal to convert 9,500 impervious acres to “green cities” that capture and manage the first one inch of rainwater runoff. “This grant program is a win–win for the water department and for our business customers. By working with customers who can manage stormwater from many acres of hard surfaces, we can transform pockets of our combined sewer areas into green acres in a cost-effective way,” stated Howard Neukrug.

“Our drainage infrastructure is undersized to provide the desired level of safety for our communities. Insurance doesn’t cover overland flooding which means homeowners cannot get coverage, ” said Jennifer Drake. Her comments were a lead into an overview of the function and benefits of permeable interlocking concrete pavement. Benefits include a reduction in the volume of rainwater which has to be handled by infrastructure systems.

“Soil depth is a primary water management tool for use by local government to adapt to a changing climate. A well-designed landscape with healthy topsoil helps communities through both wet and dry times. Soil is a sponge. It holds and slowly releases rainwater. This can limit runoff during rainy weather; and reduce irrigation water need during dry weather. In the City of Surrey, we specify a minimum soil depth of 300 mm,” states David Hislop.

Provincial programs provide direction as to where the Province wants to go with Living Water Smart and the Green Communities Initiative. “At the end of the day, planners and engineers and other disciplines must come together to determine the issues and solutions. No statute will help them do that. Living Water Smart is about motivating and inspiring everyone to embrace shared responsibility,” stated Lynn Kriwoken.

“Many agencies now recognize this commonsense approach to rainwater management as having triggered one of the most significant advances in urban hydrology in a generation. This was a deciding factor in the decision by the Real Estate Foundation to fund initial development of the Water Balance Model, and then to fund the Outreach and Continuing Education Program that supports the model,” wrote Tim Pringle in 2003.

Tanya Müller García presents “Areas Verdes de la Ciudad de Mexico & Azoteas Naturada” – “Mexico City’s Green Plan & Green Roofs” providing a description of the Green Plan in Spanish with English subtitles. An Inventory of Green Areas of Mexico City is provided as well as inclusion for the first time of green roofs in the Cities Green Inventory. Tanya also presents some examples of green roofs in Mexico and future projects.

“It helps to look back to understand how we got to here. In 2000, DFO released Urban Stormwater Guidelines and Best Management Practices for Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat. By 2007, however, we had concerns about how the document was being interpreted and applied. ‘Beyond the Guidebook 2007’ represented the initial course correction,” stated Corinio Salomi.

The Stormwater Pioneers program showcases innovation and a true dedication by property owners and others to decrease pollution. “We’re hoping to keep trash, debris and other pollution out of the water supply so that everyone can enjoy a clean Schuylkill River. If we can play a small part in making the environment better for the next generation, that’s a major plus for us,” stated Joe Jaconski.

“The web-based Drainage Infrastructure Screening Tool is designed to help local governments implement a watershed-based approach, one that results in affordable and effective Asset Management. In an era of fiscal constraints and increased emphasis on accountability, the tool allows local governments to demonstrate prudent use of scarce financial resources to achieve more at less cost,” reports Kim Stephens.

“We are dealing with a two decade drought and at the same time flooding – due to the over pavement and the loss of our natural wash system. In that challenge there is an opportunity to create green infrastructure to capture rainwater to support the creation of tree lined streets and green spaces that support a healthier and more liveable Phoenix. To quote Sir Winston Churchill, ‘Never let a crisis go to waste’,” stated Lyssa Hall.