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Urban runoff is a major cause of urban flooding, the inundation of land or property in a built-up environment caused by rainfall overwhelming the capacity of drainage systems, such as storm sewers. [12]
Runoff is the flow of water across the earth, and is a major component in the hydrological cycle. Runoff that flows over land before reaching a watercourse is referred to as surface runoff or overland flow. Once in a watercourse, runoff is referred to as streamflow, channel runoff, or river runoff. Urban runoff is surface runoff created by ...
The Nationwide Urban Runoff Program (NURP) was a research project conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) between 1979 and 1983. It was the first comprehensive study of urban stormwater pollution across the United States .
In urban areas, surface runoff is the primary cause of urban flooding, known for its repetitive and costly impact on communities. [38] Adverse impacts span loss of life, property damage, contamination of water supplies, loss of crops, and social dislocation and temporary homelessness.
Urban runoff being discharged to coastal waters. In addition to the pollutants carried in stormwater runoff, urban runoff is being recognized as a cause of pollution in its own right. In natural catchments surface runoff entering waterways is a relatively rare event, occurring only a few times each year and generally after larger storms.
Urban runoff entering a storm drain. First flush is the initial surface runoff of a rainstorm. During this phase, water pollution entering storm drains in areas with high proportions of impervious surfaces is typically more concentrated compared to the remainder of the storm.
This can cause urban flooding. An article in the Seattle Times states that "while urban areas cover only 3 percent of the U.S., it is estimated that their runoff is the primary source of pollution in 13 percent of rivers, 18 percent of lakes and 32 percent of estuaries." [1]
Stormwater collection is widely practiced for purposes of urban runoff and flood mitigation as well. [6] Treatment Dissolved Air Floatation Treatment at the Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility Stormwater treatment is the greatest challenge for stormwater harvesting. Water treatment processes depend on the intended end use and the ...