Murcia Region urges its municipalities to adopt sustainable drainage systems

This is part of a flood-prevention strategy on part of the regional authorities

On Friday, 26 February, the Murcian Ministry of Development and Infrastructure invited 100 or so local government representatives to an online conference during which they were told about the advantages of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in preventing floods. The event was organized in order to make a study conducted by the Polytechnic University of Cartagena better known and to discuss possible projects that would meet the approval for financing from the EU Recovery Fund.

Practical green solutions at the local level

The virtual conference was led by José Ramón Díez de Revenga, the regional Minister of Development, who held a discourse on the applicability and the usefulness of the new innovations in the field of urban drainage.

“From the regional government we are addressing the solution of flood risks in the Region of Murcia through measures that work with nature, instead of fighting it, through the implementation of natural-based solutions," explained Mr Díez de Revenga to the participants.

Among the innovations that are already available to municipal administrations, he presented the permeable pavements and floodable parks. Implementing these would facilitate the transformation of localities into so-called ‘sponge cities’ that would be able to soak up excess rainwater and support the traditional drainage infrastructure in preventing the accumulation and pooling of water on the streets.

These innovative solutions are commonly known as SuDS and they have to be implemented with a mind to the specific design and layout of the localities. Authorities and engineers have to consider different solutions to managing surface water taking into account factors, such as water quantity (flooding), water quality (pollution), biodiversity (wildlife and plants) and amenities.

The study conducted by the UPCT also includes a catalogue of construction procedures that will help slow down and prevent water accumulation. All of this is part of the Sustainable Architecture and Construction Strategy of the Murcian Government.