Characteristic Rain Events: A Methodology for Improving the Amenity Value of Stormwater Control Measures

Jonas Smit Andersen, Sara Maria Lerer, Antje Backhaus, Marina Bergen Jensen and Hjalte Jomo Danielsen Sørup
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Jonas Smit Andersen: Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
Sara Maria Lerer: Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Bygning 115, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
Antje Backhaus: Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
Marina Bergen Jensen: Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
Hjalte Jomo Danielsen Sørup: Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Bygning 115, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark

Sustainability, 2017, vol. 9, issue 10, 1-18

Abstract: Local management of rainwater using stormwater control measures (SCMs) is gaining increased attention as a sustainable alternative and supplement to traditional sewer systems. Besides offering added utility values, many SCMs also offer a great potential for added amenity values. One way of achieving amenity value is to stage the rainwater and thus bring it to the attention of the public. We present here a methodology for creating a selection of rain events that can help bridge between engineering and landscape architecture when dealing with staging of rainwater. The methodology uses quantitative and statistical methods to select Characteristic Rain Events (CREs) for a range of frequent return periods: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, and a single rarer event occurring only every 1–10 years. The methodology for selecting CREs is flexible and can be adjusted to any climatic settings; here we show its use for Danish conditions. We illustrate with a case study how CREs can be used in combination with a simple hydrological model to visualize where, how deep and for how long water is visible in a landscape designed to manage rainwater.

Keywords: amenity value; SCMs; Source Control Measures; staging rainwater; utility value (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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