Urban Stormwater to Enhance Water Supply

Abstract

The capture, treatment, and recharge of urban runoff can augment water supplies for water-scarce cities. This article describes trends in urban stormwater capture for potable water supply using examples from the U.S. and Australia. In water-limited climates, water supply potential exists for large scale stormwater harvesting and recharge, such as neighborhood-scale and larger projects. The beneficial use of urban stormwater to meet nonpotable water demands has been successfully demonstrated in the U.S. and internationally. However, in terms of potable water use in the U.S., the lack of a regulatory framework and uncertainty in treatment and water quality targets are barriers to wide-scale adoption of urban stormwater for recharge, which is not so evident in Australia. More data on urban stormwater quality, particularly with respect to pathogens and polar organic contaminants, are needed to better inform treatment requirements. New technologies hold promise for improved operation and treatment, but must be demonstrated in field trials. Stormwater treatment systems may be needed for large-scale recharge in highly urbanized areas where source control is challenging. The co-benefits of water supply, urban amenities, and pollution reduction are important for financing, public acceptance and implementationbut are rarely quantified.

Hydrophilic trace organic contaminants in urban stormwater: occurrence, toxicological relevance, and the need to enhance green stormwater infrastructure

“…12,[30][31][32] In the face of global water scarcity, urban stormwater is increasingly valued as a currently underused freshwater resource. [33][34][35] The capture, treatment, and recharge of stormwater runoff can augment urban water supplies and diversify urban water supply portfolios. [34][35][36] However, safe…”

“…[33][34][35] The capture, treatment, and recharge of stormwater runoff can augment urban water supplies and diversify urban water supply portfolios. [34][35][36] However, safe…”

Biochar-augmented biofilters to improve pollutant removal from stormwater – can they improve receiving water quality?

“…1 However, a need for sustainable water supply is changing the traditional mindset: harvested stormwater is being viewed as an option for future water supply. 2,3 Several major cities have already begun to capture stormwater for urban water supply, though the water is generally used for non-potable activities. 4 For example, the city of Berlin, Germany installed a system that collects rooftop runoff from 19 buildings and uses the water for toilet flushing, car washing, and gardens.…”

“…4 The city of Greater Adelaide, Australia plans is to triple the amount of stormwater harvesting to 60 Mm 3 per year to provide additional drinking water for the drought stricken region. 2 In the United States, the city of Los Angeles, California uses stormwater and recycled water to recharge its groundwater basins which are subsequently used to supplement drinking water; 5 they plan to increase the recharge of stormwater up four times to 239 Mm 3 per year. 2 Throughout the rest of the of California, stormwater is also considered the most cost-effective source of water for its growing population, after conservation and efficiency measures.…”

“…2 In the United States, the city of Los Angeles, California uses stormwater and recycled water to recharge its groundwater basins which are subsequently used to supplement drinking water; 5 they plan to increase the recharge of stormwater up four times to 239 Mm 3 per year. 2 Throughout the rest of the of California, stormwater is also considered the most cost-effective source of water for its growing population, after conservation and efficiency measures. 6 However, this is not the case in all cities, as stormwater quality and availability are highly variable.…”