Stormwater catchment management: a Botany experience

Stormwater management in developed urban catchments is often a complex issue because of factors such as the low standard of service of existing drainage systems, uncertainty regarding the impacts of storm events in which the system capacity is exceeded, and limited funding available for remedial works. There may also be a need to provide for further development in the catchments. This paper describes the application of a Total Catchment Management approach including mathematical modelling to a developed catchment in which flooding has caused problems and where there is an increasing concern regarding stormwater quality. This approach was used to establish the performance of the existing drainage system, to highlight problem areas and to test mitigation options. The resulting catchment management strategy provides a frame work for remedying existing problems and catering for future development.