Evaluating the effects of stormwater control measures on percolation in semi-arid watersheds using a high-resolution stormwater model

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 375; p. 134073
• Main Authors: Alamdari, Nasrin, Terri S, Hogue
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15-11-2022
• Subjects: Cost-optimization; Groundwater recharge; Net infiltration; Semi-arid regions; Stormwater control measures; Cost-optimization; Groundwater recharge; Stormwater control measures; Semi-arid regions; Net infiltration
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134073

Over the coming decades, global population is expected to grow rapidly and much of that growth will occur in urban areas. Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) are implemented in urban areas to reduce watershed runoff, increase infiltration, and promote groundwater recharge. Although the effectiveness of SCMs on surface runoff quantity and quality have been well recognized, the influence on percolation has been rarely investigated especially using the combination of various SCMs in arid and semiarid regions and finding the most cost-effective practices. In this study, a spatial simulation-optimization framework (RSWMM-Cost) was developed to evaluate the efficiency of various SCMs on percolation in a highly urbanized semi-arid watershed, Ballona Creek, in southern California. Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) was used to simulated infiltration and percolation in the watershed. A surface stormwater model was utilized to evaluate ten SCM scenarios that were recommended by local agencies and stakeholders. The evaluated SCMs included bioretention, dry pond, vegetated swale, infiltration trench, porous pavements, and regional dry pond. A cost-optimization was performed to determine the required number of SCMs in each scenario based on two objectives: annual percolation and capital costs of the SCMs. The results indicated that Option 1b, which contains vegetated swales and bioretention, was the most cost-effective option for implementation. To obtain the solution for the maximum net infiltration increase (67.8% or 160,947 m3), scenario1b (35,415 bioretention cells and 8231 porous pavement units with an approximate cost of $1.6 × 109) is the most cost-effective solution to meet the required net infiltration increase. We also found that of the ten SCM scenarios, the scenario of combining vegetated swale and dry pond provided the least increase in annual percolation (25.5% or 60,533 m3 increase). The results also suggested that high impervious areas currently exhibit lower percolation rates and that SCMs can be used to offset this effect by enhancing percolation that will ultimately improve aquifer recharge and groundwater availability. The implementation of SCMs such as bioretention and vegetated swale would be ideal for municipalities looking for an inexpensive way to increase percolation and potential groundwater recharge. Study findings guide urban planners aiming to use SCMs for infiltration, groundwater recharge and water supply in semi-arid areas with overstressed groundwater systems, such as in the Los Angeles Region.
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•We assessed the effects of stormwater control measures (SCMs) on percolation.•Spatial optimization framework was developed to assess the efficiency of SCMs.•A cost-optimization was performed to determine the required number of SCMs.•Bioretention and porous pavement were optimal solutions for percolation.•Vegetated swale and dry pond provided the least increase in percolation.