Urban Runoff

Urban runoff comprises the stormwater runoff from urban areas such as roads and roofs. Road and car park runoff is often more contaminated with heavy metals and organic matter than roof runoff. Runoff is usually collected in gully pots that require regular cleaning. Stormwater pipes transfer urban runoff either directly to watercourses or to sustainable urban drainage systems (also called best management practice in the United States) such as ponds or wetlands. However, urban runoff is frequently treated only by silt traps that need to be cleaned regularly. This chapter highlights the main areas in urban runoff research and contain general background information supported by case studies.

Keywords: drainage; gully pot effluent; heavy metals; infiltration; pond; road; roof; silt trap; sodium chloride; stormwater; suspended solids; sustainable urban drainage system; urban runoff; watercourse; wetland