Waterfront Stormwater Solutions
The impact of land use, impervious surfaces, stormwater pollutants and climate change are critical threats to the livability of our urban areas. Considering that a majority of the population is concentrated along waterfronts, developing solutions to these issues becomes all the more pressing. The intent of the Waterfront Stormwater Solutions is to develop and inspire new design approaches to waterfronts that address stormwater issues while also incorporating a variety of unique amenities that support wildlife and serve the public, ultimately creating spaces and cities that are lively, functional and delightful.
To advance Waterfront Stormwater Solutions, the GFL has engaged in research and design projects aiming to develop holistic solutions to filter, clean and recycle stormwater in the urban environment. Such projects have included a Waterfront Case Studies booklet, a GIS Analysis Methodology for selecting ideal waterfront stormwater sites, the formulation of Stormwater Treatment Prototypes, and a pilot design and construction project for a Subsurface Wetland Waterfront Stormwater Park in the Town of Coupeville, WA. All are downloadable on the right.
As part of its Waterfront Stormwater Solutions program, the Green Futures Lab is monitoring the effectiveness of an innovative Kitsap County stormwater park at treating pollutants from the upstream contributing basin. Our video about the new park, including time-lapse construction, can be seen here.
The GFL is interested in continuing the pursuit of pilot projects in waterfront communities. If there is interest in your community, contact gflab@uw.edu.
Coupeville Stormwater Park
Coupeville Stormwater Park
A pilot Project at the Town of Coupeville is testing out the capacity for subsurface wetlands to improve water quality along waterfronts.
Partners + Funders
Related Projects
Stormwater Web Portal Feasibility
Stormwater Web Portal Feasibility
A web-based photo and project databank that synthesizes green stormwater design strategies that can be easily accessed by the public, stormwater managers, technical staff, students, decision-makers, urban planners and designers.
Reflections: People on the Waterfront
Reflections: People on the Waterfront
A planning study envisioning public rights-of-way “shoreline street ends” in Seattle as treasured community open spaces, and researching their potential to affect individual and community health and wellbeing.
Floating Wetlands
Floating Wetlands
The GFL and students from the UW College of Built Environments conducted research on floating wetlands and designed and constructed floating wetland prototypes.