The stormwater drainage systems within established suburbs have not, in most cases, been designed to accommodate the density of urban renewal being experienced in Adelaide’s suburbs and some South Australian regional centres. The higher proportions of impervious areas directly connected to Council stormwater systems within medium- to high-density developments presents a challenge. As it is often not feasible to upgrade existing drainage systems, a shift in approach to source control of stormwater is needed to:
- reduce the frequency of local nuisance flooding
- reduce overall catchment flood risk by reducing volumes of stormwater
- protect minor stormwater system assets
- reduce pollutants entering watercourses and marine environment
- reduce the urban heat island effect providing enhanced microclimate through evapotranspiration and by enabling tree growth.