Stormwater Innovation: The Path Forward

Effective stormwater management is essential for safeguarding urban areas from flooding and protecting water quality. With climate change bringing more frequent and intense wet weather events, stormwater management innovation, collaboration, and progressive policies are more important than ever for the design community. For more than 20 years, we at AHBL have been introducing solutions and designing innovative stormwater management systems with community resiliency in mind. Presently, several recent key innovations and trends in stormwater management are helping to provide the tools necessary for AHBL and the design community to create stormwater solutions that will stand up to climate change, provide dynamic guidance for municipalities, and support the environmental health of communities.

Smart Technology: Revolutionizing Stormwater Systems

The integration of smart technology is transforming stormwater management. Advanced sensors now provide real-time monitoring of water levels and quality, enabling immediate responses to potential flooding and water quality concerns. These systems not only serve as early warning mechanisms but also collect valuable data for predictive analytics, allowing for optimized stormwater infrastructure that anticipates future challenges.

Green Infrastructure: Harnessing Nature’s Potential

Implementing green infrastructure is a strategic approach to managing stormwater more sustainably. By incorporating permeable pavements, rain gardens, and green roofs, urban areas can significantly reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and enhance local ecosystems. This approach not only contributes to environmental stewardship but also aligns with broader urban beautification initiatives, turning cities into vibrant, eco-friendly environments.

Eco-Friendly Materials: Going Green for Good

The adoption of eco-friendly materials is another pivotal trend in stormwater management. Innovations such as biodegradable filters for stormwater treatment systems and natural aggregates like permeable pavers are improving the effectiveness and longevity of stormwater systems. These materials not only support green infrastructure but also offer cost savings through reduced maintenance and extended service life, making them a prudent investment for sustainable urban development.

Community Engagement: Fostering Collaborative Solutions

Successful stormwater management increasingly depends on active community involvement. In 2024, we are witnessing a surge in community-driven initiatives and participation in workshops and local planning sessions by residents, community development districts, and/or business parks. When communities come together, they can advocate for systems that work for them, such as rain gardens, pervious pavement for sidewalks, and detention and retention basins designed as amenities, working in tandem with other features like walking trails and educational opportunities. This collaborative approach ensures that tailored stormwater solutions, meeting the specific needs of each community, foster a sense of ownership for infrastructure and long-term commitment to its stewardship.

Policy Evolution: A New Game Plan

As technological advancements and green practices gain traction, supportive policy changes are crucial. Governments are beginning to implement new regulations that encourage innovation in stormwater management and provide funding opportunities for sustainable projects. These policies are essential for accelerating the adoption of advanced stormwater solutions and helping to ensure that cities are better equipped to handle the challenges of the future.

AHBL is a recognized leader in green stormwater infrastructure implementation. For nearly 20 years, we've been at the forefront of technical guidance, having authored or significantly contributed to seminal green infrastructure guidelines in Washington State as early as 2005. Our work includes:

• Preparing the Puget Sound Regional Council Stormwater Parks Technical Assistance guidance for six stormwater park facilities in four Washington counties in 2022. This innovative study evaluated potential sites and opportunities to construct stormwater facilities that will serve as important retrofitted stormwater parks for both active and passive recreational opportunities and habitat enhancements.
• Preparing stormwater management manuals, addenda, and LID technical guidance documents for Kitsap, Thurston, and Whatcom counties as well as the City of Sammamish.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Stormwater Management

The landscape of stormwater management in 2024 is characterized by the integration of smart technology, sustainable practices, community collaboration, and progressive policies. This comprehensive approach is resulting in more efficient and resilient stormwater systems. As we confront the realities of climate change, these innovations will be increasingly critical to protecting our communities.