About Adelaide –

The capital of South Australia is Adelaide, which is geographically positioned between Adelaide Hills and Gulf St. Vincent. Therefore, it is essentially situated on a flood plain. Consequently, it is prone to floods, and the city is known for Adelaide floods too. Although the city does not see frequent rain, it often receives heavy rainfall. The stated fact makes Adelaide a prime candidate for stormwater management.

What is Stormwater Management?

In a natural state, the water accumulated from precipitation infiltrates into the soil and washes away the soil. However, urban areas usually have buildings, houses, footpaths, pavements, and concrete roads. Therefore, water cannot permeate through the ground easily. In such cases, the excess surface water after or during rainfall accumulates and floods the drainage systems, streams, sewers, etc. Stormwater Management is essentially a system wherein this water can either be used to replenish the soil or be directed towards streams in a way that does not flood the city or be used as water supplies. In a city like Adelaide, stormwater management could be vital in saving the city from floods.

Benefits of Stormwater Management –

• It can be helpful as it is an effective and sustainable example of rainwater harvesting.
• The level of pollution in the main water supply can be decreased.
• It helps in creating greener and healthier landscapes.
• It can help reduce the frequency of floods, replenish the soil, and reduce erosion due to heavy rainfall.

About Adelaide Stormwater Management –

It has been estimated that about 6 billion litres of water, which amounts to 3% of the city's water usage, is stored yearly through stormwater harvesting.

The stormwater management system saves the city from Adelaide floods and water contamination in the ways mentioned below –

• When heavy rainfall occurs, the system stores enormous amounts of water in huge rainwater tanks.
• In treatment wetlands specially designed, water is treated to remove toxins, pollutants, and sediments.
• Clean water gets stored, usually underground, close to the treatment site.
• The stored water is then utilised for irrigation in dry lands, usually closer to the storage areas.
• Gardens and streetscapes are designed to increase water retention.
• Car parks, footpaths, driveways, and roads are designed with permeable paving.

Stormwater Management is a way in which the capital city of South Australia can be saved from Adelaide floods. The town is seismically located, which makes it even more prone to natural calamities. Flooding is one of the disasters that affect the city. Stormwater management helps the town by storing extra water from the surface, treating the water to reduce water pollution, and helping the city become greener and more sustainable. Moreover, the system allows clean water to flow into the streams, enhancing the natural water cycle and the city's ecosystem.