Removing pollutants from urban stormwater runoff is a key component of the Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) philosophy. Treating urban runoff can add value to the urban landscape as well as protecting downstream receiving-waters, providing a source of water suitable for some reuse applications. Creative selection of the type, shape and location of stormwater treatment elements enables runoff from urban areas to be treated in the streetscape rather than using a more traditional “end of pipe” treatment approach. Small vegetated stormwater treatment elements such as raingardens and street trees can add interest to streetscapes, use a wide range of vegetation and provide attractive self irrigating landscape features. Stormwater treatment elements can be integrated with streetscape features such as traffic calming devices, parking bays and seating.

Further Reading:

Green Streets: Creative Stormwater Design