Urbanization has resulted in increased imperviousness which resulted in larger runoff flow rates, volume and deteriorated water quality. Traditional stormwater management has focused mainly on flood reduction by conveying water in large pipes to stormwater sewers resulting in higher flows and pollution in streams and lakes. This resulted in increased streambank erosion, increased water quality impairments in Texas streams and increased eutrophication and fish kills in lakes. Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) which includes bio-retention areas (rain gardens), permeable pavements, rainwater harvesting and green roofs have presented a viable alternative to traditional conveyance management. These practices increase infiltration, reduce runoff flow rates and volume and improve water quality in a decentralized approach. A experimental setup was built at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas where these practices were designed, built, and monitored for performance over a period of three years. GSI reduce flows and volumes by more than 50% and improved water quality by removing 80% or more of sediments and reducing Nitrate, phosphate and E. coli. Room 163
CEUs Available: 1 TNLA; 1 TCEQ; .2 ARCSA; 1 APLD; 1 TEA - CPE; 1 LA CES - Sustainable Development & Design, Water / Smartwater Management