Rainwater Management

“Many systems operate without serious problems for many years. Yet many engineering studies recommend plans for pipe replacement and upsizing that would cost tens of millions of dollars, money that local governments do not have; while providing no offsetting stream health benefits. Why is this happening?,” asks Kim Stephens.

The innovative designs will serve as prototypes for green rainwater infrastructure throughout Philadelphia. “This design competition will get everyone thinking about the broader community benefits of green stormwater infrastructure. We look forward to seeing the results,” states Beth Miller.

“The Guidebook applied a science-based understanding, developed the water balance methodology to establish performance targets, and demonstrated that urban watershed restoration could be accomplished over a 50-year timeframe as and when communities redevelop,” states Peter Law, Guidebook Chair (2000 – 2002). A decade ago, looking at rainfall differently led the Province of BC to develop the Water Balance Methodology, and initiate a paradigm-shift in the way rainwater is managed. BC was the first provincial or state government in North America to implement the Water Balance Methodology.

“The approach we have taken in British Columbia differs from that of the United States EPA due to the nature of the root problems being solved. The critical issue in British Columbia is the damage and loss of habitat caused by development and erosion of the headwater streams,” states Jim Dumont.

“The initiative creates opportunities for knowledge sharing and transfer on both sides of the Georgia Basin so that everyone can go farther, more efficiently and effectively. The web-based Water Balance Model is a unique, scenario comparison tool; and is the foundation block for the Inter-Regional Education Initiative,” stated Kim Stephens.

“Elected representatives on the Utilities Committee learned that the Water Balance Model is a tool available to Metro Vancouver’s (municipal) members so that they will be able to more effectively and efficiently fulfil their rainwater and stormwater management actions under our region’s IntegratedLiquid Waste and Resource Management Plan,” stated Mayor Darrell Mussatto.

“The City of Surrey has extensive experience with ISMP development and implementation. Now in its fifth decade of continuous implementation experience, the City continues to evolve and adapt a watershed–based approach that incorporates lessons learned in getting green infrastructure built right,” states Carrie Baron.

“The Cowichan Forum is the kick-off for an Inter-Regional Education Initiative to be implemented in four regions over several years. Sharing of experiences, collaboration, alignment and a consistent approach on Vancouver Island will allow everyone to go farther, more efficiently and effectively,” stated Kate Miller.

“An increasing building footprint on properties is short-circuiting the WATER BALANCE. This creates risks for local government, both financial and environmental. If we want to make change, then we have to find a way to influence landowners to look at their properties differently,” stated Richard Boase. “Stream health depends on ALL properties in a watershed. If everyone reduces their ‘water footprint’, we can then protect stream health.”

“The District of Sooke has exceeded provincial requirements for liquid waste management and created a rainwater management plan that makes protecting water quality a guiding principle in land use decisions,” states Laura Byrne. “Because our rainwater management plan is outcome-oriented, it has stayed true to Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia.”