WaterConditions
A problem of urbanized areas is excessive surface runoff, which results in the drying of the area. An insufficient number of surfaces capable of retaining water leads to disturbances in the water balance, such as reduced infiltration, limitation of groundwater and underground water resources, and low evaporation values. This, in turn, promotes excessive heating of the city and intensifies the effects of the urban heat island and weakens the conditions for vegetation development.
CITY PROBLEMS
CITY PROBLEMS
Urban floods
Flash floods occur when intense rain runs off sealed surfaces instead of soaking into the ground. Water then accumulates rapidly, flooding streets, basements, and infrastructure. Such phenomena are particularly dangerous in cities where there is a lack of green areas and natural retention sites.
CITY PROBLEMS
Regulated rivers
Regulated rivers drain water faster, which increases the risk of flooding downstream and limits its natural accumulation during drought. Concrete channels and straight banks deprive residents of access to attractive, green waterfronts. As a result, the city loses both natural protection against extreme weather events and the greatest potential for cooling the city and increasing its biodiversity.
CITY PROBLEMS
Sewer overload
Sewer overload occurs when the system cannot handle the drainage of water during intense rainfall. This causes backflows, flooding of streets, basements, and buildings, as well as the risk of water contamination with sewage. The problem is exacerbated in cities with a large number of paved surfaces and a lack of natural retention areas.
caused damages of 1 billion euros.
Water Conditions
What CoolCity does
What CoolCity does
Inventories surface runoff and water infiltration.
Calculates surface runoff indexes from the area in a given unit. Identifies wetlands and areas at risk of flooding in the city
Identifies places with poor water conditions where water should be managed and those that provide natural retention in the city.
Allows prioritizing the use of infiltration basins and rain gardens. Their cost and impact on the water conditions in the surroundings are valued.
Monitors changes in wetland vegetation, oxbow lakes, and open waters. Differences in the water balance between years are calculated.
Inventories surface runoff and water infiltration.
Calculates surface runoff indexes from the area in a given unit. Identifies wetlands and areas at risk of flooding in the city
Identifies places with poor water conditions where water should be managed and those that provide natural retention in the city.
Allows prioritizing the use of infiltration basins and rain gardens. Their cost and impact on the water conditions in the surroundings are valued.
Monitors changes in wetland vegetation, oxbow lakes, and open waters. Differences in the water balance between years are calculated.
Effects for the city
More effective protection against flooding by slowing down surface flow
Better plant growth conditions thanks to water retention in the environment
Indication of valuable wetlands within the city limits
Microclimate regulation and temperature reduction thanks to increased evaporation and the presence of water bodies
CoolCity tools support adaptation to climate change by imaging floodplains and urban heat islands. Thanks to this, we can properly direct water and plantings, which is crucial in regulating unfavorable conditions and is helpful in planning and implementing investments.
Monika Pec-Święcicka
Urban Landscape Architect and Deputy Director of the Urban Greenery Management Board
Global insight • Local impact
Check today what CoolCity can do for your city