Author(s): N. Le Nouveau; A. Gerolin; H. Perrier
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Stormwater management; French water policy; Local strategies
Abstract: During the last decade, new objectives and challenges have been emphasized to act for a more sustainable management of stormwater in developed areas: flow and runoff control from impervious areas along with flood risk management, management of surface runoff pollution, preservation of natural watercourses and water resources. Emerging issues are pointed out: providing alternative water supplies such as rainwater harvesting, understanding the role of rainwater in the urban climate cycle, etc. Consequently, the French policy has been implemented at different scales, from main river catchments to local areas, or even to single building projects, to deal with water resources management. The aim of this study was thus to analyse the policies and strategies implemented at different scales by decision-making actors for a better integration of rainwater management concerns. It was found that these issues were really taken into account but it also emphasized the difficulties faced by local authorities along with the discrepancies between them. Ways to progress in the implementation of such policies are thus suggested, based on a multiple-scale approach.
Year: 2009