Rainwater management
For climate-adapted, water-conscious cities of the future
While droughts cause a shortage of drinking water, floods due to heavy rainfall wreak havoc. It is high time to bring greater foresight and a focus on climate adaptation to urban planning. Our expert team at Drees & Sommer supports customers by providing a comprehensive range of services.
The impact of the climate crisis is clearly visible in many parts of Europe and has become much more evident in Germany in recent years: While in some areas drought and high temperatures cause a drop in water levels and acute shortage of drinking water, at other times some regions experience heavy rainfall, which has devastating effects not only on our flora and fauna, but also on us and our cities.
So far, the goal of urban planning has been to drain water from buildings and urban districts as fast as possible. It is high time we showed greater foresight in our approach, and focused on adapting our urban environments to the changing climate. Our expert team at Drees & Sommer supports customers by providing a comprehensive range of services.
Rainwater management: Sponge cities maximize efficient water use
The sponge city principle can be used to simulate the natural water cycle of our immediate living environment and to collect rainwater through the use of innovative technology. Large-scale greening plays a critical role here by absorbing rainwater like a sponge. The water can then be harvested, or allowed to seep away, or to evaporate, thus cooling the local climate. f innovative technology. Large-scale greening plays a critical role here by absorbing rainwater like a sponge. The water can then be harvested, or allowed to seep away, or to evaporate, thus cooling the local climate.
Holistic hydrological concept
How can I protect myself against heavy rainfall events? What obligations do I have towards downstream riparians? Which rainwater management measures best suit my circumstances? How much area do I need for rainwater retention and seepage?
Drees & Sommer leaves none of your questions unanswered. We support you throughout the entire planning and implementation process – from the initial outline concept and the feasibility study through to the detailed hydrological concept, our experts are there to help you, based entirely on your needs.
Holistic water management usually includes the following three subconcepts, which can be split into different levels of detail. In most cases, a hydrological concept is an essential part of the technical master plan and is customized to your needs. It also complements the outline concept and the feasibility study.
How we can support you
- Topographical analysis and assessment of local water management and hydrological requirements
- Hydrogeological assessment
- Rough site audit and check of process water requirements
- Presentation of potential and of possible measures
- Rough estimate of the deviation from the natural water balance
- Determination of basic design data
- Determination of water requirements
- Preparation of a rough holistic hydrological concept also showing the potential in the water cycle
- Development of a preferred variant as a project outline with technical specifications
- Rough profitability analysis
- Documentation with recommendation and roadmap for further action
Rainwater management concept and open spaces:
- Assessment of the status quo
- Analysis of surface drainage
- Seepage, evaporation and retention measures
- Concepts for exploiting valuable synergies
Technical water cycle concept:
- Examination of technical measures for rainwater and greywater storage and use
- Preparation of site and yield analysis, requirements analysis
- Analysis of potential for alternative plumbing concepts for drinking water substitution in buildings, e.g. use of process water
Storm and flood prevention concept:
- Prevention through adoption of an integrated approach
- Local topographical analysis
- Assessment of potential hazards and development of appropriate measures for buildings and open spaces
The hydrological concept is an important element in the creation of a holistic sustainability strategy and a climate adaptation concept. In addition to the concepts, we complement our offering with:
- Troubleshooting
- Support with competitive tendering and during the planning and execution phase (consulting services/project management), and provision of subsidy consulting and support
- Support with the preparation of development plans
Let's talk.
We look forward to hearing from you!