#stormwater — Public Fediverse posts

Research - #RainBarrels and Other Household Stormwater Strategies Are Working — For Now.

May 5, 2026

Excerpt: " 'When we talk about #CircularEconomy, most people think about #recycling waste and materials. But the concept of circular economy also applies to water. Here we're talking about installing #rainwater #cisterns, reusing water from the sink to flush toilets and using water-efficient appliances. While those may seem like small steps at the individual level, we found that if they are widely adopted, they can have a significant collective impact,' said Fernanda Cruz Rios, PhD, an assistant professor in the College of Engineering, who was a co-author of the research. 'They help reduce demand on the municipal supply, and the energy needed to treat and distribute that water. But what we found was that these strategies offer a real double benefit. In areas like #PhiladelphiaPA and #CamdenME, that are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to large bodies of water, we were able to see a meaningful reduction in flooding volumes when circular water strategies were adopted.'

"Despite the ongoing compliance efforts, the cities of Philadelphia and Camden have around 16 billion gallons of combined #sewer overflow, according to reports from their respective water utilities.

"Over the last two and a half decades, Camden has established a stormwater management plan, including decentralized strategies, an upgrade to #stormwater infrastructure and storm water management modeling. To understand the overall impact of these efforts, in hopes of applying findings to other vulnerable urban areas, the Drexel team created a computer model of stormwater movement using data from Cramer Hill, a neighborhood of Camden in the state’s 'coastal hazard zone' that is highly susceptible to tidal and storm-surge flooding.

"The researchers structured the model so that it could quantify the distinct effects of outdoor strategies (cisterns and rain barrels) and indoor strategies — efficient fixtures and reusing sink wash water (#greywater) for toilet flushing. It simulated and measured the effect of 16 different combinations of strategies, ranging from rain barrels of different sizes, to varying levels of adoption of water-efficient fixtures and greywater reuse.

"Each scenario was simulated using precipitation and tidal data from 2014 as a baseline and flooding measurements projected at locations across the neighborhood and at five stormwater outfall areas that contribute to combined sewer overflow discharges into the #DelawareRiver.

The results show that the combination of retrofitting homes with #WaterEfficientFixtures as well as installing rain barrels and practicing greywater reuse, when adopted by 75% of households, could reduce the volume of combined sewer overflows by as much as 11% and the volume of #floodwaters by up to 13%.

" 'This finding is an important and encouraging piece of information for municipalities that are facing similar challenges,' Marques said. 'Although broad adoption of these measures can be challenging to achieve, confirmation of its effectiveness may help to make the case.' "

Read more:
https://drexel.edu/news/archive/2026/May/decentralized-stormwater-management-coastal-urban-areas-combined-sewer

#SolarPunkSunday #ClimateChangeAdaptation #Graywater #StormwaterSeparation #StormwaterReduction #WaterCisterns #UrbanPlanning #WaterUse #WaterIsLife #ClimateChange

So, I ended up emptying both our rainbarrels during a dry spell (110 gallons of water), using the water for not only my home garden, but my community garden plot as well. After a heavy, but brief, rainstorm this week, both barrels are full again. #Rainbarrels help prevent water from overflowing storm drain systems and they provide water during droughts. Make sure you use a tight screen to keep mosquitoes out (I replaced the screens that came with my rainbarrels, and I don't even have to use Bt now).

The Case for Rain Barrels

By Felicia Hokenstad, May 7, 2026

"As #ClimateChange continues to impact our weather patterns, the preservation and efficient use of water resources have become pressing issues for many communities. One innovative solution that is gaining traction is the rain barrel. These straightforward tools not only help us conserve water but also alleviate the burden on our #stormwater systems.

A rain barrel is essentially a tank for collecting and storing rainwater from roof downspouts, typically holding around 55 gallons. By capturing this valuable resource, residents can reuse it for watering #gardens, landscaping, and other non-potable needs. This practice has multiple benefits: it reduces #reliance on municipal water [or well water], provides naturally soft rainwater—which is gentler on plants than treated tap water—and lessens stormwater runoff that can contribute to flooding and streambank erosion."

Learn more:
https://www.cleanriverpartners.org/our-stories/the-case-for-rain-barrels

#SolarPunkSunday #ClimateChangeGardening #ClimateChangeAdaptation #WaterIsLife #Drought #HeavyRains

#Aotearoa / #NewZealand - The case for #WildlifeCorridors, bridges & belts

Connected networks of vegetated or aquatic spaces that enable movement of species across fragmented urban landscapes.

Excerpt: "#ClimateChange – #VegetatedCorridors contribute to #UrbanCooling and #microclimate regulation, supporting #ClimateAdaptation benefits alongside #biodiversity outcomes.
#HumanWellbeing – Access to connected, #biodiverse #GreenSpaces is associated with improved psychological wellbeing and restorative experiences.
#Freshwater security – Riparian and #BlueGreenCorridors can improve #stormwater attenuation, #WaterQuality, and #flood #resilience while supporting aquatic and terrestrial connectivity."

Read more:
https://aotearoabiodivercity.org/design-strategies/green-wildlife-corridors-bridges-and-belts/

#SolarPunkSunday #ClimateChangeAdaptation #GreenerCities #GreenCorridors #WildlifeCrossing #WaterIsLife #NatureHeals #SpendTimeInNature #Greenspaces

The #Science of #SolarPunk -- why we need #GreenerCities!

Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies

Published: 02 July 2025
Sayyed Kifayatullah, Zafeer Saqib, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq, Dmitry E. Kucher, Sajid Ullah & Aqil Tariq

"Abstract:

#UrbanGreenSpaces (#UGS) are critical for fostering ecological sustainability and social equity in rapidly urbanizing cities like #Islamabad, #Pakistan. This study aimed to comprehensively map and classify Islamabad’s UGS, identify spatial disparities, and evaluate their ecological, recreational, and social functions. The research also proposed sustainable strategies for managing UGS to address urban challenges, including climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. The study developed a detailed spatial map of Islamabad’s UGS using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and high-resolution satellite imagery. Seven typologies were categorized and analyzed, including parks, playgrounds, institutional green spaces, and waterways. Field surveys and random sampling validated the thematic maps, achieving an accuracy rate of 95.68% based on statistical metrics like Kappa coefficients. The study revealed significant disparities in UGS distribution.

"Wealthier zones had larger, well-maintained green spaces, while denser areas lacked accessible and functional UGS. Recreational spaces, institutional greenery, and waterways played a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, urban aesthetics, and community well-being, though many remain underutilized or degraded. Institutional green spaces contributed significantly to urban sustainability, comprising 17.05 km² of the total UGS area. The research highlights UGS as an essential #NatureBasedSolution (#NBS) for addressing urban challenges like #HeatIslands, #stormwater management, and #SocialInequalities. The findings serve as a model for other rapidly urbanizing cities seeking #ecological and social balance.

[...]

"Conclusion

[T]his study underscores the pivotal role of UGS in fostering ecological #sustainability, social equity, and urban resilience, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities like Islamabad. By leveraging GIS and high-resolution satellite imagery, the research provides a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution, typologies, and functional value of #GreenSpaces across the city. The findings reveal striking disparities, where wealthier neighborhoods enjoy better-maintained parks and green belts, while densely populated and economically underprivileged areas often lack accessible and functional green spaces. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for equitable planning and management of urban greenery.

"The research affirms that UGS are more than aesthetic elements; they serve as vital ecological assets by regulating #UrbanMicroclimates, enhancing #biodiversity, managing stormwater, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. Socially, they contribute to community well-being by offering recreation, relaxation, and physical activity spaces. However, the study also identifies significant challenges, such as the uneven distribution, poor maintenance, and underutilization of certain green spaces, which limit their potential to deliver these benefits.

"To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating UGS into #UrbanPlanning policies to ensure #EquitableAccess for all city residents, regardless of socioeconomic status. It also highlights the value of #CommunityInvolvement in the upkeep and management of green spaces, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local stakeholders. Sustainable funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, are proposed to ensure UGS’s regular maintenance and future expansion. Moreover, the research advocates for continued use of data-driven decision-making, leveraging GIS tools to monitor and optimize green infrastructure for long-term sustainability. While this study focuses on Zone I, expanding future research to other zones would offer a more comprehensive perspective on UGS distribution and accessibility across the entire city.

"This research presents UGS as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to tackle pressing urban challenges like #ClimateChange, flooding, and social inequalities, offering actionable strategies for policymakers and urban planners. While centered on Islamabad, these findings provide a valuable framework that other rapidly urbanizing cities can adapt to strike a balance between development and ecological integrity. The study reminds that sustainable cities must prioritize green spaces to ensure a livable, #equitable, and #resilient urban future."

Full article:
http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-07578-2

#SolarPunkSunday #MoreTrees #GreenerCities #MoreGreenSpace #Microclimates #GreenInfrastructure #OpenAccess #OpenAccessJournals #LivableCities

#PlasticPatrol: the #CitizenScientists tackling #litter in #Australian #waterways

#Plastics make up the majority of litter across the country. In the absence of regulation, the public are taking matters into their own hands

by James Norman, Fri 30 Jan 2026

"Neil Blake weighs a paper bag of fake grass fragments he has collected from a stormwater gutter near #DarebinCreek in #Melbourne’s north.

"Over the past three years Blake has conducted 56 collections of synthetic turf in the waterway alongside the KP Hardiman Reserve hockey pitch.

" 'I noticed that a local hockey pitch was being replaced and the plastic surface was running off into the local environment,' he says. Strong northerly winds and #LeafBlowers had helped shed the turf fragments into the local #environment.

"In addition to impacts on #AquaticEcosystems, scientific analysis suggests #PlasticPollution is exacerbating #ClimateChange, #biodiversity loss and #OceanAcidification.

"Australians produce more than 3m tonnes of plastic waste each year, and according to Clean Up’s annual survey of parks, beaches, creeks and other public spaces, plastics make up more than 80% of litter across the country. A review by the New South Wales chief scientist found that one #SyntheticTurf field could transport between 10kg and 100kg of plastic fragments into the #stormwater system or local waterways.

"Blake has taken advantage of the electronic scales provided by the newly opened community science laboratory in the Port Phillip #EcoCentre in #StKilda, to quantify his samples to present to the local council and the Environment Protection Authority. The lab hosts facilities including microscopes, measuring equipment, safety gear and access to advice from trained scientists.

"It’s one example of citizen scientists tackling the growing problem of plastics in #waterways, including #beaches, #rivers and dive sites around the country."

Read more:
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/31/australia-litter-picking-beaches-waterways-plastic-pollution

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/okVtk

#SolarPunkSunday #LitterCleanup #NewSouthWales #Australia #PlasticTurf #PlasticPollution #CitizenScience #WaterIsLife #Astroturf #PlasticPollution #Microplastics

“What is considered safe and adequate today may not hold true in the future”: Climate change is here. How will it make its presence known in your city? Most likely in occasional torrential storms that flood streets and basements and cause considerable property damage. It’s time to bolster #stormwater infrastructure. https://www.wbez.org/environment/2026/04/10/flooding-chicago-climate-change-deep-tunnel-mold-metropolitan-water-reclamation-district-soaked

For those living near a waterway with platypus they will know they are doing their bit to look after a unique part of our Australian wildlife. >>
https://theconversation.com/how-smart-rainwater-tanks-can-help-keep-platypus-habitat-healthy-269816
#water #creeks #rivers #platypus #tanks #ImperviousSurfaces #RainwaterTanks #StormWater #wildlife #biodiversity

#AllianceForTheChesapeakeBay - #RiverSmart Homes: #RainBarrels

"Funded by the District’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), the RiverSmart Homes Rain Barrel program helps reduce #stormwater runoff in #WashingtonDC, improving the quality of local #streams and #waterways. Residents of the District can receive up to three reduced-cost barrels, information about stormwater issues, and signage for their yard. In addition, the Alliance coordinates and trains local contractors to install rain barrels in the city.

By aiding in the coordination and installation of barrels, the program allows for easy and accessible environmental solutions on your property!"

Learn more:
https://www.allianceforthebay.org/project/riversmart/riversmart-homes-rain-barrels/

#SolarPunkSunday #DC #ChesapeakeBay #RainbarrelProgram #WaterCollection #WaterIsLife #RainwaterCollection

#Michigan - Oakland County #RainSmart program expected to keep millions of gallons of #water out of #sewer - here's how

By Amber Eikenberry
Published January 27, 2026 12:51pm

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - "Two years of helping Oakland County residents install green infrastructure is expected to keep 1.4 million gallons of stormwater out of the sewer system annually.

"During the two-year RainSmart Rebates pilot program, residents located in the George W. Kuhn Drain Drainage District were able to receive money to install rain gardens, rain barrels, and native trees to their yards.

Participants were able to install one garden, up to two trees, and two rain barrels after an evaluation of their property to determine which infrastructure would work best.

By the numbers:

According to Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash, the second year of the program, which started in 2024 and just wrapped up, saw a 22% increase in participation from 2024.

This past year, 379 rain barrels, 199 native trees, and 105 rain gardens were installed.

In 2024, there were 159 rain barrels, 98 trees, and 49 rain gardens installed.

Since the pilot began, nearly 300 residents have participated. A total of more than $176,000 rebates were distributed, with the average participant receiving $500 for their projects.

Why it matters:

Flooding is a major issue in many parts of #MetroDetroit, especially in cities that are part of the #GeorgeWKuhnDrain Drainage District, including all or part of Berkley, Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Clawson, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Royal Oak Township, Southfield, and Troy,

This is because it is a combined sewer system. In a combined system, #wastewater and #stormwater both flow through the same pipes, known as gray infrastructure, and go to a wastewater treatment plant.

This means that during periods of intense rain like Metro Detroit has been seeing more frequently, the system can get overwhelmed. The result? Flooded streets and backups into homes.

Also, there is a greater likelihood of contaminants making it into the system. This is a concern even for homes not on a combined sewer system.

Rain barrels, trees, and native plant gardens all help reduce the amount of rainwater that makes it to the sewer system."

Read more:
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/oakland-county-rainsmart-program-expected-keep-millions-gallons-water-out-sewer-heres-how

#SolarPunkSunday #WaterCollection #Rainbarrels #NativePlants #NativeTrees #RainGardens #TreePlanting

Detection And Spatial Modelling Of Trends In UK Rainfall Frequency
--
https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2026.2622458 <-- shared paper
--
#GIS #spatial #mapping #extremeweather #rainfall #pluvial #frequency #trends #nonstationarity #extremevalue #model #modeling #monitoring #UnitedKingdom #UK #Britian #England #Scotland #Wales #precipitation #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #drainage #monitoring #planning #resilience #naturalhazards #flooding #flood #water #hydrology # #sewerage #sewage #wastewater #waterways #pollution #spills #releases #stormwater #erosion #massmovement #landslides #engineeringgeology #risk #hazard #climatic #covariates #raingauges #maximums #duration #winter #NorthernEngland #NorthAtlanticOscillation #NAO #index #metrics #annualmaximum #AMAX #seasonalmaximum #SMAX #peaksoverthreshold #POT #statistics #geostatistics #MetOffice #weather #climate

How ‘smart’ rainwater tanks can help keep platypus habitat healthy
#Environment #Australia #Platypus #RainwaterTanks #WaterManagement #UrbanPlanning #Biodiversity #EcoTech #WaterSecurity #Sustainability #UrbanEcology #SmartCities #Platypus #StormWater
https://the-14.com/how-smart-rainwater-tanks-can-help-keep-platypus-habitat-healthy/

Bored fossil fuel enthusiasts are burning rubber, microplastics and toxic chemicals on the Mid North Coast.
#Cars #CarMinds #PetroMasculinity #pollution #noise #toxins #stormwater #BellingerRiver #roads #SchoolHolidays #climate #Bellingen #CoffsHarbour #MidNorthCoast #governance #antisocial #UnsafeBehaviour

Is (Adelaide's) stormwater contributing to the toxic algal bloom?

"... Stormwater "had never been sexy" and, as long as it was flushed away, it did not get the attention nor the government investment it deserved."

"The EPA's Adelaide Coastal Waters Study (ACWS) summary of 2008 stated that nutrient loads had increased 30 to 50 times since European settlement, and recommended steps to reduce wastewater, stormwater and industrial inputs. The study found the loss of seagrass was "mainly due to stormwater flows" "
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-21/is-adelaides-stormwater-contributing-to-the-toxic-algal-bloom/106025180
#ocean #rivers #pollution #runoff #stormwater #drains #dumping #waste #sprawl #housing #roads #infrastructure #MassMortalityEvents #MarineLife #seagrass #HABs #brevetoxins #MarineHeatwave #FossilFuels #coast #Australia #degradation

Diversion Channels vs. Climate Change: Will Five Cities’ Flood Protection Strategy Be Enough?

Many of those reading this post may recall scenes from the disastrous floods that took place along the Red River of the North in 1997, 2009, and 2011. Cities like Fargo and Grand Forks, North Dakota were severely impacted by floodwaters due to snowmelt and ice jams along that northward flowing river. Further north along the same river, in Manitoba, Winnipeg has dealt with significant flooding on multiple occasions.

Part of the problem along this particular river valley is there is very little topographical change in this area, so when river levels run high, the floodwaters spread out far and wide across the northern prairie landscape. The limited grade change also tends to slow the speed of the river’s flow, which can add to the backup.

To address these costly and dangerous flooding problems along the Red River of the North, both Winnipeg and Grand Forks have developed enormous flood diversion channels around their urban area. Meanwhile, Fargo is close to completing its diversion channel. These three diversion systems are discussed below followed by other diversion channel programs established in Wichita, Kansas and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Red River Floodway – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada = 29 mile diversion channel

• Completed in 1968 for $63 million and enlargement completed in 2010 for $665 million
• Designated a National Historic Site in 2000
• Capacity of 140,000 cubic feet per second
• 2.7 billion cubic feet of Earth moved (more than the Suez Canal)

——-

English Coulee Diversion Channel – Grand Forks, ND, USA = 13 mile diversion channel for English Coulee and 8 miles of flood walls/levees along the Red River of the North

• The diversion channel for English Coulee bypassing Grand Forks was completed in 1990. Unfortunately, increasing the height of flood walls and levees was not completed until 2007.
• Total project cost was $409 million including the flood walls and levees on the Red River of the North.
• Flood protection was raised from 50 feet to 60 feet.
• Flood/stormwaters can be also pumped to the diversion channel from the city — up to 112,000 gallons per minute (= 250 cubic feet per second).
• Twenty miles of greenways trails

——-

Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project – Fargo, ND/Moorhead, MN, USA = 30 mile diversion channel and 22 mile earthen embankment at the southern end of the complex

• To be completed in 2027 for $3.2 billion
• The Red River has reached flood stage in Fargo 60 times since 1902, including every single year between 1993 and 2011.
• Designed to withstand a 100-year flood and provide fightable protection against a 500-year flood.
• Capacity of 20,000 cubic feet per second.
• Other features will include levees, flood walls, stormwater lift stations, road improvements including raising grades, upstream mitigation, wetland mitigation, river restoration, a bike/walking trail, and related flood control projects in outer communities and in nearby Minnesota.

——-

Further to the south, Wichita, Kansas has faced similar issues with flooding from the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers. To limit future damage to life and property in the city, an enormous flood diversion project was completed here in 1959. This diversion channel is very visible to drivers along Interstate 235 around the west side of the city.

Wichita-Valley Center Floodway – Wichita, KS, USA = 18 mile diversion channel

• Completed in 1959 for $20 million
• Includes 50 miles of connecting channels, 100 miles of levees, and 150 control structures.
• The diversion channel has a flood carrying capacity twice that of the Arkansas River itself, while the Little Arkansas River portion around the town of Valley Center has a capacity of 55,000 cubic feet per second.

——–

In an altogether different context, Albuquerque, New Mexico can also face quick and devastating floods, but not from a flat terrain. Instead, the threat here is threefold – rapid snowmelt from the abutting Sandia Mountains flowing down into the city and the valley combined with urban stormwater runoff and heavy summer monsoon-season rains (yes, we have a monsoon season here) overwhelming the natural arroyos and dry stream beds. In Albuquerque, a network of diversion channels has been developed, with two primary ones (the North and South Diversion Channels) being the largest collectors and distributors of stormwater and floodwaters from natural arroyos and human made/enhanced channels.

North Diversion Channel – Albuquerque, NM, USA = 8.7 miles

• Completed in 1969 at a cost of $20.3 million
• Capacity of 44,000 cubic feet per second ~ equivalent to a 500-year flood event
• Collects flood/storm waters from 50 square miles and discharges it into the Rio Grande
• A bicycle/pedestrian trail runs along the top of the channel for its entire length.
• Passes through the heart of the city instead of around it.

South Diversion Channel – Albuquerque, NM, USA ~ 5.5 miles

• Completed in 1972 at a cost of $8.3 million and discharges into the Rio Grande
• A bicycle/pedestrian trail runs along the top of the channel for much of its length.

——-

As these five examples show, there are viable options for protecting life, limb, and property from devastating floods in urban areas. That being said, as the Earth’s climate continues to become warmer, bringing with it heavier rainfalls and stronger storms, even these diversion channels and their associated infrastructure may become overwhelmed by future weather events.

Therefore, addressing only the after-the-fact results of storms will not protect our communities as long as climate change is allowed to continue on its current trajectory. Humankind must also address the root causes of climate change, including the impacts we create by our individual and collective actions and activities. This includes making hard choices…frankly choices that highly-developed First World countries like the United States too often avoid making.

Furthermore, when nations ignore climate reality, these five cities, let alone many others across the planet, will need to upgrade their flood defenses over and over again. In this era of climate change, such efforts will not and cannot solve the problem alone. Humanity must find the “sustainable willpower” to effectively address climate change for the long term. In the end, future generations will be grateful that we did.

Peace!

#albuquerque #cities #climateChange #diversionChannels #environment #fargo #flooding #floodplain #floods #geography #grandForks #history #infrastructure #landUse #monsoonSeason #planning #rivers #stormwater #wichita #winnipeg

Thirty Years of the U.S. National Land Cover Database - Impacts and Future Direction
--
https://doi.org/10.14358/PERS.25-00121R2 <-- shared paper
--
“Editor's choice article for the October Issue of Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing.”
#GIS #spatial #mapping #remotesensing #opendata #earthobservation #landcover #USA #NLCD #MRLCC #history #datacollection #impervioussurface #classifaction #landform #forestcanopy #fedscience #fedservice #deeplearning #AI #spatialanalysis #change #monitoring #usecase #research #landmanagement #management #policy #planning #support #agriculture #urbanplanning #environment #ecosystems #biodiversity #conservation #water #hydrology #humanhealth #risk #hazard #soils #naturalhazard #spatiotemporal #landchange #forestry #watermanagement #waterquality #publicsafety #groundwater #NCLA #wildfire #stormwater #extremeweather
#USGS #EROS #NASA #USFS

Improving our Coasts with High-Resolution Land Cover Data [#NOAA]
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https://coast.noaa.gov/states/stories/landcover.html <-- shared technical article
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https://coast.noaa.gov/ccapatlas/ <-- on-demand, online NOAA CCAP Landcover Atlas
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https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/data/ccaphighres.html <-- #opendata C-CAP High-Resolution Land Cover
--
Use Case Examples:
• Flood Inundation Modeling and Risk Assessment
• Stormwater Management and Water Quality Protection
• Heat Risk and Urban Forestry
• Wetland Monitoring, Conservation, or Restoration Planning
• Other – e.g., Discovering Gaps in Broadband Access
--
#GIS #spatial #mapping #NOAA #DigitalCoast #LandCover #CoastalManagement #GeospatialData #EnvironmentalData #ResilientCommunities #landcover #usecase #economics #remotesensing #earthobservation #opendata #floodinnundation #waterquality #water #hydrology #risk #hazard #spatialanalysis #spatiotemporal #stormwater #management #heatrisk #urbanforestry #wetland #monitoring #conservation #planning #resortation
@noaa #NOAAOfficeForCoastalManagement

Good thing I have NO PLANS to go to the beach any time soon... Ugh! 🤢

Taking a dip #LaborDay weekend? Swimmers face fecal contamination at beaches along US coastline

By PATRICK WHITTLE and MINGSON LAU
Updated 10:15 AM EDT, August 30, 2025

OGUNQUIT, Maine (AP) — "Thousands of Americans will head to beaches for one last summer splash this Labor Day weekend, but taking a dip might be out of the question: Many of the beaches will caution against swimming because of unsafe levels of fecal contamination.

"Beaches from #CrystalRiverFL, to #OgunquitME, have been under advisories warning about water quality this week because of elevated levels of bacteria associated with fecal waste. The advisories typically discourage beachgoers from going in the water because the bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, rashes and nausea.

"There have been closures this week at some of the country’s most popular beach destinations, including Keyes Memorial Beach in the #CapeCod village of Hyannis in Barnstable, Massachusetts; Benjamin’s Beach on #LongIsland in Bay Shore, New York; and a portion of the Imperial Beach shoreline near #SanDiego. Even on the pristine, white sand beaches of Hawaii, the Hawaii State Department of Health is warning of a high bacteria count at #KahaluuBeachPark on the #BigIsland.

"It’s a longstanding and widespread problem. Nearly two-thirds of beaches tested nationwide in 2024 experienced at least one day in which indicators of fecal contamination reached potentially unsafe levels, conservation group Environment America said in a report issued this summer.
"The group reviewed beaches on the coasts and #GreatLakes and found that 84% of #GulfCoast beaches exceeded the standard at least once. The number was 79% for #WestCoast beaches, 54% for #EastCoast beaches and 71% for #GreatLakes beaches.

"The report also said more than 450 beaches were potentially unsafe for swimming on at least 25 percent of the days tested. A key reason is outdated water and #SewerSystems that allows contamination from #sewage to reach the places where people swim, said John Rumpler, clean water director and senior attorney with #EnvironmentAmerica.

" 'These beaches are a treasure for families across New England and across the country. They are a shared resource,' said Rumpler, who is based in Boston. 'We need to make the investment to make sure that literally our own #HumanWaste doesn’t wind up in the places where we are swimming.'

"Other factors have also played a role in contaminating beaches, including increasingly #SevereWeather that overwhelms sewage systems, and suburban sprawl that paves over natural areas and reduces the #ecosystem’s ability to absorb #stormwater, Rumpler said."

https://apnews.com/article/beaches-labor-day-fecal-swimming-b0141df7f40ad2914d4e2cd31182e9af

#OceansAreLife #WaterIsLife #WaterContamination #Sewage #Pollution #HumanWaste

#Stormwater is a nightmare problem for local gov’ts. It can cause old sewer systems to overflow. Downpours scour streets of trash and motor oil, dumping it into streams. And then there’s flooding issues. What we need is a way of reducing stormwater. Turns out, there is one: green roofs, which also help lower energy costs. Problem is … nobody builds them, even when they’re subsidized. https://commonwealthbeacon.org/energy/boston-struggles-to-find-takers-for-green-roof-grants/ #water

A #watersensitive city concept can support #sustainable #stormwater management in response to #climatechange. Brigitte Helmreich, professor at our Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, explains how it works: http://go.tum.de/897201

▶️ Watch the video to learn more about the water-sensitive city (or “sponge city”) approach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRbanAzfI0Y

📷A. Heddergott

Delve into a progress update on Lynchburg’s massive Blackwater CSO Tunnel project

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — You may not have seen much progress on a big project starting in Downtown…
#NewsBeep #News #US #USA #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Environment #Blackwater #Capitalimprovement #Construction #CSOTunnel #Lynchburg #Progress #Science #Sewage #Stormwater
https://www.newsbeep.com/us/12792/