Use of Shared Vision Models in an Integrated Urban Stormwater Planning Process

The project motivation was to more effectively engage residents during stormwater management planning. A simplified stormwater model was developed to improve neighborhood-scale urban hydrologic modeling by a) modeling fine-scale details affecting individual lots, and b) simplifying calculations and reducing the number of calibration parameters. The model contained mathematical objects representing time lags and exponential decays to simulate runoff-producing elements (streets, roofs, etc.) and green infrastructure (GI) choices (rain gardens, pervious pavement, etc.). Validation with observed data found that calibration of response time constants for specific elements captured combined effects of different factors (slope, material, etc.) without needing detailed field measurements. Incorporating GI highlighted the need for fine-scale models to tailor runoff reduction strategies to specific neighborhoods, lots, and houses. Workshops with community partners showed that integrating stormwater management with other neighborhood issues encouraged resident engagement and customizing the model to simulate specific lots and houses improved visualization of GI options.