What stormwater control technique involves restoring natural watercourses?

Stream restoration is a stormwater control technique that focuses on rejuvenating and rehabilitating the natural characteristics of a watercourse or stream. This practice often involves the removal of man-made structures, reestablishing the natural flow patterns of the water, restoring native vegetation along the banks, and reshaping the streambed to mimic its natural state.

The importance of stream restoration lies in its ability to enhance water quality by filtering out pollutants, reducing erosion, and improving habitats for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Additionally, restored streams can improve flood resilience by allowing for more natural water flow that can reduce both upstream and downstream flooding impacts. Through these activities, stream restoration contributes not only to pollutant reduction but also to the overall health of the watershed.

Culvert installation is typically a method used to facilitate the passage of water under roads or pathways, not specifically aimed at restoring natural watercourses. Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use, which addresses water conservation but not the restoration of watercourses. Detention basins are designed to temporarily hold stormwater runoff to control flooding and allow for sedimentation, but they do not restore natural watercourses in the same way that stream restoration does.