Land development can significantly impact urban water quality and water resources.

Historically, urban stormwater runoff has contributed to a variety of serious water resource impacts, including sediment and chemical pollution, concentrated stormwater volumes/flooding, and elevated water temperatures. In the past it was assumed that the nearest stream or wetland could effectively absorb whatever went down the storm drain.

A new stormwater management paradigm now exists: Instead of managing stormwater as a liability to be removed from a site as quickly as possible, it is now being detained on-site for water quality/quantity enhancement and managed as a resource for soil moisture and groundwater recharge.

The following issues have become critical in supporting the paradigm shift, successful adherence to stormwater regulations and profitable development of high-quality, environmentally-sound projects:

• Protecting the groundwater and surface water resources in the watershed in which development is occurring. Lakes, ponds and streams that are/will be part of development or within the watershed may require specific management or restoration stratagies.
• Effective, innovative stormwater management must be addressed. A variety of stringent local and federal stormwater regulations are now in place that mandate broader implementation of “green” infrastructure and site construction management, such as soil erosion and sediment controls, low-impact development, conservation subdivision design and green roof design.
• Land planning standards are continually evolving in order to integrate new development approaches and requirements. Examples are provided from Nebraska and other Midwest states that highlight key strategies for successful development.
• Comprehensive integration of sustainable landscape design concepts throughout a development can minimize overall maintenance requirements and enhance property values and profitability for individual property owners.

Information presented within the property design and management section of this Water Web site has been reviewed by University of Nebraska - Lincoln Property Design & Management Team members Kelly Feehan, Thomas Franti, Steven Rodie and Richard Sutton.

Help us help you!

We are working to provide the information you need. Your input is valuable in helping us serve you. Please complete a short 6-question feedback form on using the UNL Water Web site.
(No personal data is collected)