Natural waterway systems innately and efficiently manage flood waters, clean and polish polluted water, and provide habitat for a great number of animal and plant species.
The drive over the past century to develop on the water’s edge has resulted in a severe deterioration of the world’s natural water systems, and the initial response of developers has been to rely on heavily engineered structures to control water. Yet time has revealed that these structures are not built to adequately withstand 100-year flood levels, huge storm surges, rising sea levels, and decades of pressure and gradual deterioration.
These failing systems are in urgent need of repair or replacement with alternate solutions. For many of these scenarios, concrete and pipes are not the best solution, but the organizations and departments responsible for this infrastructure are often unaware of the more comprehensive benefits of softer solutions.
The tremendous regenerative potential for returning our water-control structures to naturalized systems include restoring depleted aquifers, creating recreational open space that supports healthy lifestyles, and sparking social and economic growth for surrounding communities.
