Using urban surface composition to model stormwater suspended solids: a case study of the effect of rainwater tanks

Abstract

[Abstract]: Pollutant load estimation is often required to evaluate stormwater management issues associated with water quality and urban development. Land use (e.g. residential, commercial) is commonly employed as a base to spatially characterize the pollutant generation from urban areas. This paper demonstrates an alternative approach of using the composition of surface type (e.g. road, roof, grassed) within urban catchments to define suspended solids loads in runoff. A case study is provided involving an evaluation of the potential effect that widespread adoption of rainwater tanks may have on the suspended particle concentration of residential urban runoff. A surface based approach provides a fundamental understanding of the main contributors to stormwater pollutant load generated from urban catchments.