Sustainable stormwater management in the city of the future

The selection and demonstration of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) or Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be described in the context of the European Community (EC) funded SWITCH project (2006-2011) which is developing innovative and sustainable urban water management approaches and technologies. The Asian successor to the original project, SWITCH-in-Asia, was launched in Djakarta in December 2009. Professor Lei Yang, Sun Yat Sen University is the representative for Taiwan in recognition of the innovative stormwater management and wastewater treatment developments in Kaohsiung that have been actively supported by Governor Chiu-hsing Yang. There are six research themes in the SWITCH project of which Theme 2 Stormwater Management is co-ordinated by Middlesex University, London. This theme has investigated the use of alternative hybrid and retrofit technological approaches for stormwater control which contribute aesthetically to the urban environment and provide acceptable levels of prevention/protection against flooding, water pollution and water shortage when exposed to extreme events and conditions. Decision-making processes for effective urban stormwater management have been assessed and successful organisational structures and frameworks identified for the delivery of sustainable systems. Approaches are being developed which will enhance stakeholder perception of and participation in the use of stormwater as a valuable urban resource. Environmental change studies for stormwater control and reuse options have also been addressed. Examples will be presented of sustainable systems used for both stormwater and wastewater treatment in Asia and Europe.
Demonstration activities have been developed in ten cities in four continents and the water management activities in Kaohsiung were described by Prof. Lei Yang at the SWITCH Global City Water Futures Summit in the Netherlands, October 2009. In each city a Learning Alliance has been established that is comprised of the major stakeholders who can drive the demonstration activities and disseminate their benefits. The SWITCH project is, through these various activities, facilitating the selection and adoption of environmentally and aesthetically sensitive urban drainage management options in the context of Integrated Urban Water Management in the ‘City of the Future.’