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.

Creation and maintenance of retention areas in urban areas-image
Creation and maintenance of retention areas in urban areas main image

Creation and maintenance of retention areas in urban areas

  • Description
  • Fields of action
  • Synergies
  • Good practice examples
  • References

Retention areas should be placed in the lowest points of urban areas. Surface drainage must ensure that water is diverted towards these areas – preferably on the surface (hollows, streets etc.). Receiving waters and soil needs to be protected from pollution. The realisation of central retention areas is greatly dependent on available space and the topographic condition. Development and zoning plans provide opportunities for implementation.

Fields of action Settlement areas
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: 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

Check out the RAINMAN good practice examples:

no good practice example available

READ MORE:

  • Office International de l’Eau (2015): Natural Water Retention Measures, URL: http://nwrm.eu (19.03.2020): detention basins
  • Freie Hansestadt Bremen, Senator für Umwelt, Bau und Verkehr (SUBV) (Ed.) (2015: Merkblatt für eine wassersensible Stadt- und Freiraumgestaltung: Empfehlungen und Hinweise für eine zukunftsfähige Regenwasserbewirtschaftung und eine Überflutungsvorsorge bei extremen Regenereignissen in Bremen, URL: https://www.klas-bremen.de/detail.php?gsid=bremen02.c.740.de (25.03.2020): Sicherung und Schaffung von Retentionsflächen
PICTURES:

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