Restoring a stream through retention of urban stormwater runoff: a catchment-scale experiment in a social–ecological system

• DOI: 10.1086/682422
• Publication Date: 2015-06-29T13:30:29Z
• Authors: Christopher J. Walsh; Tim D. Fletcher; Darren G. Bos; Samantha J. Imberger
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 11. Sustainability; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; 6. Clean water; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

AbstractRestoration of ecological structure and function of urban streams probably requires catchment-scale modification of drainage infrastructure, but such catchment-scale restoration attempts and their assessment are rare. They require stream ecologists to embrace the interdisciplinary challenges of studying the social–ecological systems that are urban catchments. We designed and monitored a catchment-scale experiment that involved the retrofit of urban stormwater infrastructure throughout an urban catchment to restore more natural hydrology, water quality, and consequently, ecological condition in the receiving stream. We worked with government authorities and the catchment community (residents and property owners) over several years to fund and implement 289 stormwater retention systems. The length of the project allowed adaptation of the experimental design to expand the project’s breadth and of retention-system design to match community needs and catchment context. Planning provisions are particula...