The impacts of climate change are increasingly felt in our daily lives, especially in urban environments where extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and increasingly frequent droughts are severely affecting infrastructure and quality of life. A change in approach to stormwater management is therefore crucial for municipalities, institutions, businesses and citizens alike.

Disadvantages of the traditional approach

In recent decades, the basic aim of urban stormwater management has been to drain water away from land as quickly as possible. However, this approach has led to a number of problems. The overloading of sewers, the increasing frequency of flooding and the failure to recharge groundwater all point to the shortcomings of traditional systems. These problems are not only a burden on the environment but also cause significant economic damage.

New directions: natural solutions in the foreground

A key element of this shift is a sustainable approach to stormwater management that focuses on the retention and use of water and the restoration of the natural water cycle. Natural solutions such as green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements and catchment systems not only make rainwater management more efficient, but also contribute to improving the urban microclimate and increasing biodiversity.

Local authorities: leading by example and long-term planning

The role of local authorities is crucial in changing attitudes. They shape urban development plans and ensure the sustainability of infrastructure. Incorporating innovative solutions for stormwater management not only makes cities more liveable, but also more cost-effective in the long term. Good examples, such as the creation of rain gardens in public spaces, are an incentive for residents and local businesses.

Institutions: education and awareness raising

For education and health institutions, it is important not only to transform infrastructure, but also to play a role in shaping attitudes. Schools, for example, can show young people the importance of sustainable water management, while greening hospitals and surgeries is an example of sustainability in practice. And a healthier microclimate has a direct positive impact on our well-being and health.

Businesses: innovation and responsibility

For businesses, sustainable stormwater management offers new opportunities for innovation and cost reduction. Green roofs or rainwater recycling systems in industrial parks and commercial buildings can both increase competitiveness and reduce the ecological footprint.

Citizens: awareness and community action

Without public participation, a change of mindset will not happen. Collecting rainwater, using permeable pavements and creating household rain gardens are all steps that individuals can take to contribute to a sustainable future. And community programmes and campaigns can further increase people’s engagement.

Joining forces for a sustainable future

A change in approach to stormwater management not only protects the natural environment, but also contributes to the livability of cities, economic stability and social well-being. Local authorities, institutions, businesses and citizens have a shared responsibility to recognise that sustainable water management is essential for future generations to enjoy natural resources and a healthy urban environment.

Led by the Hegyvidék Municipality (XII district), in cooperation with Erzsébetváros (VII district), Pestszentlőrinc-Pestszentimre (XVIII district), the Municipality of Budapest and several other professional partners, the main objective of the LIFE in Runoff project, which will be partly funded by the EU between 2021 and 2025, is to support urban climate adaptation in the field of rainfall management by finding and strengthening synergies between green, blue and grey infrastructures.

By combining a nature-based approach with technological solutions, we are effectively reducing the harmful effects of sudden rainfall. Vulnerability assessments will be used to identify intervention points in the three Budapest partner districts, followed by demonstration elements to showcase urban stormwater management options to topic experts, decision-makers and city residents. Our aim is that by the end of the project, our target groups will see rainwater as an asset, but also are aware of and apply solutions to reduce and prevent the harmful consequences of sudden rainfall.