“Healthy Watersheds: Digital Technologies and Nature-Based Stormwater Solutions”
Introduction
Over the past several years, water scarcity has garnered attention as a significant material risk to both the private and public sectors. However, the risks and impacts of extreme weather events and associated stormwater management challenges have been lagging, but are now gaining greater attention. As a result, there is greater investment in technology companies focused on stormwater management and increased attention to innovative nature-based solutions.
Another important trend driving innovation in stormwater management solutions is the focus on “healthy watersheds.” This framework for thinking about water-related risks to the public and private sectors, as well as solutions to mitigate these risks, offers an opportunity for collaboration on a large scale. Moreover, by focusing on watershed-scale water risks, there is an opportunity for innovative geospatial data analytics (e.g., SpatiaFi and 52impact) tools to complement on-the-ground digital-enabled stormwater management technologies and nature-based solutions.
Healthy Watershed Strategies
Both the private and public sectors play critical, often collaborative, roles in safeguarding “healthy watersheds.” These efforts blend regulatory leadership, restoration funding, on-the-ground management, and innovation to deliver resilient water quality and ecosystem functions.
This public and private sector collaboration on building and sustaining healthy watersheds provides a framework to address stormwater management, as well as water scarcity and stress. Collaboration between the public and private sectors. Integrated Planning: Public agencies integrate healthy watershed measures into wider hazard mitigation and climate adaptation programs, leveraging federal resources for green stormwater management, riparian buffers, wetland protection, and improved floodplain function.
Notable examples of multi-stakeholder healthy watershed initiatives include the Meramec River (Missouri) pilot, which integrated nature-based watershed protection into hazard mitigation plans, the Upper St. Johns River Basin (Florida), and the Delaware River Basin (a multi-state basin), which demonstrate regional, multi-agency collaborations that restore wetlands, floodplains, and aquatic habitats.
Innovative Solutions: Digital Technologies and Nature-based Solutions
Stormwater management is experiencing a transformation, with innovative technology and nature-based solutions delivering significant benefits to governments, the construction sector, urban and rural development, and municipal agencies. These approaches not only improve flood resilience and water quality but also drive regulatory compliance and community engagement.
Applications of innovative digital technologies for stormwater management are outlined below.
- AI and Machine Learning for predictive modeling, anomaly detection, and automated system optimization, enhancing efficiency and proactively mitigating flood risks.
- Smart Stormwater Platforms with real-time sensors and IoT connectivity, enabling dynamic control of water storage and flow during storm events.
- Comprehensive Management Software, such as StormGeo Pro and CityWorks Stormwater, offering GIS integration, automated regulatory reporting, and improved asset management for municipalities.
- Flood Forecasting tools such as StormWise™ and FloodWise™, provide accurate, real-time flood predictions, guiding emergency response and infrastructure planning.
Examples of innovative stormwater management and related technologies funded by water tech venture funds include: Transcend (AI-driven engineering design for water infrastructure), VAPAR (AI for pipe inspection and stormwater systems) by PureTerra Ventures, and StormHarvester (AI-powered stormwater and wastewater network management), which recently raised €10 million from Emerald and YFM Equity Partners to expand their predictive rainwater and pollution prevention platform.
While digital technologies play a critical role in providing real-time data and AI solutions, there is significant interest by both the public and private sectors in deploying nature-based solutions to address stormwater management needs. Examples of nature-based solutions include the following.
- Bioswales and Rain Gardens filter pollutants and slow runoff, naturally improving water quality and reducing erosion.
- Permeable Pavements and Green Roofs increase infiltration and water retention in urban landscapes, decreasing the load on drainage systems.
- “Sponge City” and Low-Impact Developments mimic natural hydrology, utilizing green infrastructure to reduce runoff volumes and support biodiversity—especially important for urban-rural linkages.
Case studies of nature-based solutions to stormwater management are provided below.
Bioswales and Rain Gardens.
- Richmond, California Greenway Project: A network of 14 bioswales and rain gardens has been installed to intercept stormwater, slow its flow, and remove pollutants before water reaches the San Francisco Bay. These installations have absorbed 30% more stormwater into the ground compared to traditional lawns and reduced surface water pollution by 70%. Additionally, these features create urban wildlife habitats and engage the community through volunteer stewardship.
- Glendale Public School Rain Garden (Ontario, Canada): This rain garden manages runoff from a 27-mm storm event, improves water quality by reducing total suspended solids by 80%, and provides 800 m³ of additional floodplain storage. It also cools stormwater before it enters creeks and educates students and the community about sustainable water management.
Permeable Pavements and Green Roofs
- University of Calabria (Italy) Green Roof Project: An extensive green roof reduced mean peak stormwater flows by 72% and total runoff volumes by 57% compared to traditional roofs. This demonstrably lessens downstream flooding and improves water quality during urban storm events.
- SIU Green Fund Project (USA): The installation of permeable pavers and green roof systems increased site accessibility and safety while improving rainwater drainage, serving as a live demonstration to educate students about sustainable water techniques.[6]
Sponge City and Low-Impact Development
- Westchester Wet Pond (California): A multi-zoned wet pond system with wetland plantings, recirculating treatment areas, and native vegetation created 1.38 acres of new habitat. The system removes over 80% of common urban pollutants and provides recreational and aesthetic enhancement for the community. Interconnected plantings and shaded trails yield additional cooling, health, and educational benefits.
- Urban China Sponge Cities: The Chinese government has piloted large-scale “Sponge City” initiatives, incorporating bioswales, permeable paving, and constructed wetlands across cities. These projects demonstrate urban and peri-urban resilience to flooding, improved river health, and increased biodiversity while also promoting local food production through managed wetland gardens.
Closing
Stormwater management is increasingly a high priority, and understanding how digital technologies and nature-based solutions can address this issue within the framework of “healthy watersheds” provides a path forward for the public and private sectors. Additionally, healthy watershed initiatives have the opportunity to foster collective action among diverse stakeholders and increase investment in technology solutions and nature-based approaches.
