Tool risk reduction measures

100 RISK REDUCTION MEASURES

Please note:

This catalogue contains 100 measures that can contribute to the mitigation of heavy rain risks. These measures are very diverse: they range from structural to non-structural measures and from small, easy-to-implement solutions to comprehensive conceptual approaches.

The catalogue was compiled from existing catalogues from all RAINMAN partner countries as well as from knowledge and experiences made in the project without claiming universal coverage and without having expert knowledge in each of the covered business areas. Sources for further information and good practice examples are provided for a large number of the included measures.

Use the selection feature to find measures that are applicable in the field of action that you are dealing with or search for key words you are looking for.

Please consider that heavy rain risk reduction measures work best, when they are strategically applied and cleverly combined under consideration of the local conditions. Go back to RISK REDUCTION MEASURES for further guidance.

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Dry detention reservoirs and depressions of any capacity

Natural or artificially created detention basins and depressions with a specific retention capacity can be used as temporary water reservoir for runoff water during heavy rainfall. They slow down the surface runoff; thus they contribute to a delay and attenuation of flood waves. They should be located at the deepest point in almost any surrounding – farmland, forests, along watercourses or within settlement areas on public or private ground. They fall dry during dry periods. Surface drainage water needs to be diverted towards them; regular maintenance needs to be assured (material accumulation).

Fields of action
Settlement areas, Watercourses, Farmland, Buildings, Forests
Additionally to flood risk reduction by slowing and storing surface runoff, the measure has medium or high possible benefits for the following biophysical impacts and ecosystem services: Water storage; Biodiversity preservation; Climate change adaptation and mitigation; Filtration of pollutants; Recreational opportunities; Aesthetic/cultural value; Increase evapotranspiration; Intercept pollution pathways; Reduce erosion and/or sediment delivery; Create terrestrial habitats

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Sabine Scharfe, Saxon State Office for Environment, Agriculture and Geology