How does rainfall intensity affect stormwater management practices?

Rainfall intensity plays a significant role in how stormwater management practices are implemented. Higher intensity rain events can overwhelm existing systems designed to manage runoff. When there is intense rainfall, the volume and speed of water entering drainage systems increase, resulting in greater runoff. This surge can lead to issues such as flooding, increased erosion, and greater pollutant transport, which can harm local water bodies.

To mitigate these impacts, more effective or robust Best Management Practices (BMPs) are required. These might include larger retention basins, enhanced filtration systems, or improved drainage designs that can accommodate the increased flow. The need for BMPs becomes even more critical during high-intensity events to ensure compliance with water quality regulations and to protect the environment.

This understanding emphasizes that stormwater management must adapt to varying intensities of rainfall to effectively capture and treat runoff, making the management practices more robust in response to these conditions.