Urban flooding management through sustainable drainage and rain gardens

Urbanization and soil impermeabilization are increasing the frequency and severity of urban flooding by reducing water infiltration and increasing surface runoff. In Macapá, Brazil, specifically the Perpétuo Socorro neighborhood, inadequate drainage infrastructure and uncontrolled urban expansion have exacerbated these hydrological challenges.

To address these issues, sustainable drainage solutions such as rain gardens are being utilized as green infrastructure. Rain gardens are landscaped depressions composed of soil, sand, gravel, and vegetation designed to collect water from streets and rooftops. They allow water to infiltrate the ground gradually, reducing the volume of runoff that reaches sewer systems and helping to filter pollutants.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognizes these tools for their ability to prevent drainage systems from becoming overwhelmed. Research from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, has also examined the effectiveness of these natural solutions in managing intense rainfall.