Stormwater refers to the run-off of water from urban surfaces generated by rainfall or melting snow. It is a major concern for New Zealand because of its potential effects on the ecological health of our urban streams and coastal waters, as well as on the economic, social, and cultural value of these environments. Human activities, particularly industry and traffic, lead to the build-up of sediments and contaminants which are eventually washed off during rains and conveyed via stormwater networks to receiving environments.
About the speaker
Pete Brooks is a Chartered Environmentalist and Water and Environmental Manager with 25 years of industry experience and as project manager, engineer to the contract and project sponsor will provide an overview of the kind of work being undertaken to improve water quality and ultimately ecological health of our urban streams and coastal waters.
For more information: https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/events/cafe-scientifique-an-overview-of-stormwater-environmental-enhancement-projects/
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Use the interactive image maps Land use – impacts on waterways and Our use of water – impacts on water quality to discover more about some of the issues involving land use and water quality and how some of our daily interactions can impact our local waterways.
The activity Water run-off models how rain can affect soil erosion and ground stability.
