Surface Water Management

SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT
Surface Water Management: Strategies and Case Studies
Author: Ar. Kartik Parihar
Department of Architecture and Planning, MNIT Jaipur
Date: November 24, 2024
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ABSTRACT
Surface water management is a critical aspect of urban planning and

environmental conservation. This paper explores sustainable practices,
including Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and green
infrastructure, while highlighting global guidelines, policy
frameworks, and case studies from Bangalore, India.
Recommendations include using permeable surfaces, vegetated
features, and retention basins to mitigate urban runoff, improve water
quality, and enhance resilience to climate change.
Keywords: Surface water management, Sustainable Urban Drainage

Systems (SUDS), Green infrastructure, Stormwater management,
Urban resilience, Bangalore water policies
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
2.1 Key Features of SUDS
2.2 Benefits and Challenges
3. Green Infrastructure
3.1 Components of Green Infrastructure
3.2 Examples of Successful Implementation
4. Policies and Regulations
4.1 International Policies
4.2 Indian Policies
5. Case Study: Bangalore, India
5.1 Natural Drainage System and Challenges
5.2 The Koramangala-Challaghatta Valley Project
6. Discussion and Findings
6.1 Lessons Learned from Bangalore
6.2 Global Implications
Recommendations
Conclusion
References
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1. Introduction
Surface water, encompassing rivers, lakes, wetlands, and other water

bodies, is vital for ecological balance and human activities.
However, the rapid pace of urbanization and industrialization has
significantly altered natural hydrological cycles. These changes
result in challenges like flooding, water pollution, and loss of
biodiversity. Surface water management is an interdisciplinary
approach that combines engineering, policy-making, and
environmental science to address these challenges.
The central focus of surface water management lies in mitigating

flooding, preserving water quality, and enhancing ecosystems.
Innovative approaches like Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
(SUDS) and green infrastructure integrate natural processes with
modern urban planning. These methods aim to manage water as a
resource rather than a problem, ensuring long-term sustainability.
2. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
2.1 Key Features of SUDS
SUDS prioritize mimicking the natural water cycle to manage

runoff in urban areas. Their core components include:
• Pervious Surfaces: These include permeable pavements that

allow water to infiltrate the ground.
• Swales and Filter Strips: Vegetated channels and buffer zones
that reduce runoff velocity and filter pollutants.
• Detention Basins and Retention Ponds: Structures that store
excess water temporarily and release it gradually.
• Infiltration Devices: Techniques like grass Crete and
bioretention systems that encourage groundwater recharge.
2.2 Benefits and Challenges
The benefits of SUDS extend beyond flood control. They improve

water quality, create green spaces, and enhance biodiversity.
Additionally, they are cost-effective in the long run, reducing the
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dependency on conventional stormwater systems. However,

challenges include the high initial investment and the need for
public awareness and policy integration.
3. Green Infrastructure
3.1 Components of Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure is a sustainable approach that integrates vegetation

and natural processes into urban planning. Its components include:
• Green Roofs: Roof gardens that reduce stormwater runoff and

improve insulation.
• Rain Gardens: Landscaped depressions that collect and filter
rainwater.
• Urban Trees: These intercept rainfall and reduce surface runoff.
• Restored Wetlands: Natural filtration systems that improve
water quality and support biodiversity.
3.2 Examples of Successful Implementation
Several cities worldwide have adopted green infrastructure. For

instance, New York City's "Green Infrastructure Plan" has significantly
reduced combined sewer overflows. Similarly, Melbourne, Australia,
has integrated green corridors to manage stormwater while enhancing
public spaces.
4. Policies and Regulations
4.1 International Policies
Global organizations like the WHO and UNEP have established

guidelines for surface water management. The WHO emphasizes
microbiological standards to ensure water safety, while the UN's
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocate for integrated water
resource management (World Health Organization, 2016).
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4.2 Indian Policies
India's National Water Policy (2012) and the National Mission for
Clean Ganga are pivotal in surface water management. These
frameworks emphasize equitable water distribution, pollution control,
and community involvement. State-specific policies, such as
Karnataka's initiatives for Bengaluru, provide localized solutions.
5. Case Study: Bangalore, India
5.1 Natural Drainage System and Challenges
Bangalore's rapid urbanization has disrupted its natural drainage

systems. Pollution from untreated sewage and industrial effluents has
degraded water quality. Additionally, encroachment on wetlands and
lakes has exacerbated flooding during monsoons.
5.2 The Koramangala-Challaghatta Valley Project
The KC Valley project exemplifies innovative surface water

management. By treating 440 million liters of wastewater daily, it has
rejuvenated lakes and recharged groundwater. Despite its success,
challenges like inconsistent data reporting from sewage treatment
plants persist.
6. Discussion and Findings
6.1 Lessons Learned from Bangalore
Bangalore's experience underscores the importance of integrating

traditional and modern approaches. Protecting natural drainage systems
and implementing SUDS can coexist with large-scale projects like the
KC Valley initiative.
6.2 Global Implications
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The challenges faced by Bangalore resonate with cities worldwide,

particularly in developing countries. Addressing these issues requires
global cooperation, knowledge sharing, and investment in sustainable
infrastructure.
7. Recommendations
Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed:
1. Policy Integration: Ensure that urban planning policies mandate

the inclusion of SUDS and green infrastructure.
2. Community Involvement: Educate citizens on water
conservation and involve them in local water management
projects.
3. Technological Advancements: Utilize advanced monitoring
systems to ensure transparency and efficiency in projects like KC
Valley.
4. Global Collaboration: Exchange knowledge and resources
between cities to replicate successful initiatives.
8. Conclusion
Surface water management is no longer optional; it is a necessity for

sustainable urban growth. Innovations like SUDS and green
infrastructure offer practical solutions to urban water challenges. By
learning from case studies like Bangalore and implementing global best
practices, cities can achieve water resilience and environmental
sustainability.
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9. References
• Bengaluru Development Authority. (2031). Master Plan

Document.
• Kim, S.-H. (2020). Green Infrastructure as Water Sensitive
Urban Design Strategy for Sustainable Stormwater
Management.
• Sussanne, M. (2010). Sustainable Surface Water Management:
A Handbook for SUDS.
• World Health Organization. (2016). Protecting Surface Water
Quality. Retrieved from https://iris.who.int
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Surface Water Management: Strategies and Case Studies

Author: Ar. Kartik Parihar

Department of Architecture and Planning, MNIT Jaipur

Date: November 24, 2024

Surface water management is a critical aspect of urban planning and

Keywords: Surface water management, Sustainable Urban Drainage

2. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)

2.1 Key Features of SUDS

2.2 Benefits and Challenges

3.1 Components of Green Infrastructure

3.2 Examples of Successful Implementation

4. Policies and Regulations

4.1 International Policies

4.2 Indian Policies

5. Case Study: Bangalore, India

5.1 Natural Drainage System and Challenges

5.2 The Koramangala-Challaghatta Valley Project

6. Discussion and Findings

6.1 Lessons Learned from Bangalore

6.2 Global Implications

Surface water, encompassing rivers, lakes, wetlands, and other water

The central focus of surface water management lies in mitigating

2. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)

2.1 Key Features of SUDS

SUDS prioritize mimicking the natural water cycle to manage

• Pervious Surfaces: These include permeable pavements that

2.2 Benefits and Challenges

The benefits of SUDS extend beyond flood control. They improve

dependency on conventional stormwater systems. However,

3.1 Components of Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure is a sustainable approach that integrates vegetation

• Green Roofs: Roof gardens that reduce stormwater runoff and

3.2 Examples of Successful Implementation

Several cities worldwide have adopted green infrastructure. For

4. Policies and Regulations

4.1 International Policies

Global organizations like the WHO and UNEP have established

4.2 Indian Policies

5. Case Study: Bangalore, India

5.1 Natural Drainage System and Challenges

Bangalore's rapid urbanization has disrupted its natural drainage

5.2 The Koramangala-Challaghatta Valley Project

The KC Valley project exemplifies innovative surface water

6. Discussion and Findings

6.1 Lessons Learned from Bangalore

Bangalore's experience underscores the importance of integrating

6.2 Global Implications

The challenges faced by Bangalore resonate with cities worldwide,

Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed:

1. Policy Integration: Ensure that urban planning policies mandate

Surface water management is no longer optional; it is a necessity for

• Bengaluru Development Authority. (2031). Master Plan

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