When it rains, the only risk most New Orleans residents worry about is that of flooding. As local officials and engineers know, however, a deluge isn’t the only issue worth preparing for.
Urban centers are blanketed with non-porous surfaces such as roads and parking lots. When it rains, the water does not readily get absorbed, and instead goes down the sewer systems. While New Orleans’ sewer systems are equipped to handle a sudden influx of water due to strong rains, they too have their limits. Should the rainwater—also called stormwater runoff—exceed the sewer system’s capacity, the dirty water can spill onto the streets and even into bodies of water such as the Mississippi River. When this happens, both humans and sea creatures may be exposed to dangerous pathogens and chemicals.
On the other hand, even a brief episode of rain can still cause problems, because the rainwater can also carry garbage and other wastes down the sewer system. If not properly stored and treated, this dirty water can leak and contaminate nearby bodies of water too.
Managing Stormwater Runoff
As you can see, ensuring the proper management of stormwater is crucial, especially in cities like New Orleans that regularly experience rains. The good news is that there are many infrastructures that help cities manage runoff effectively. Let’s take a look at some of the options. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2uZ1jEe
Urban centers are blanketed with non-porous surfaces such as roads and parking lots. When it rains, the water does not readily get absorbed, and instead goes down the sewer systems. While New Orleans’ sewer systems are equipped to handle a sudden influx of water due to strong rains, they too have their limits. Should the rainwater—also called stormwater runoff—exceed the sewer system’s capacity, the dirty water can spill onto the streets and even into bodies of water such as the Mississippi River. When this happens, both humans and sea creatures may be exposed to dangerous pathogens and chemicals.
On the other hand, even a brief episode of rain can still cause problems, because the rainwater can also carry garbage and other wastes down the sewer system. If not properly stored and treated, this dirty water can leak and contaminate nearby bodies of water too.
Managing Stormwater Runoff
As you can see, ensuring the proper management of stormwater is crucial, especially in cities like New Orleans that regularly experience rains. The good news is that there are many infrastructures that help cities manage runoff effectively. Let’s take a look at some of the options. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2uZ1jEe
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