Case Studies of Management and Maintenance of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems in Extreme Weather

Abstract

Since 1997, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) have been promoted globally to manage urban stormwater and wastewater. Approaching the third decade of the development of SUDS, this paper explores the management and maintenance of SUDS under extreme weather conditions, focusing on case studies in Singapore and Australia, respectively. Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters Program of Singapore integrates blue-green infrastructure to manage stormwater, enhance water quality, and provide social and ecological benefits. In Australia, Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) incorporates natural systems to handle stormwater and reduce urban heat. The study investigates how each region has developed effective SUDS strategies tailored to their distinct climates. While Singapore focuses on managing rapid vegetation growth and maintaining water quality, Australia adapts to challenges like drought, variable rainfall, and fire risks. This research underscores the importance of innovative, site-specific solutions in enhancing urban resilience and offers valuable insights for sustainable urban water management worldwide.