Water conservation — it’s only natural
Developers taking the bull by the horns by spearheading use of cutting-edge technology
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia has found that Alberta is embracing cutting-edge, alternative storm water management technologies. The province sits at the forefront of innovation and joins British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec in its widespread use of low-impact developments (LIDs) in urban planning and new community design.
“Canadian storm water management systems are facing challenges around every corner, from climate change to aging infrastructure,” says engineering professor at UBC Okanagan and the study’s co-author, Rehan Sadiq.
But not only that, Sadiq also notes that when urbanization is added to the mix, potentially dire consequences could result.
The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Management, was designed as a tool to assist governments with incorporating LIDs into urban planning.
LID refers to site design practices that reduce the impact of water runoff and allow the water cycle to flow more smoothly.
But many developers in Alberta aren’t waiting for government intervention. They are taking the bull by the horns and spearheading cutting-edge technologies and designs on their own — designs that are setting the bar for future development.
“It is important that we look for solutions to manage our water quality going forward. We are really stewards of the land. As developer, we have a big part to play when it comes to water conservation management,” says Michaela Davis, regional manager for Edmonton North for Melcor Developments.
She says that Melcor looks at water management best practices around the world and works with consultants who are leaders in the field.
“We always try to take a naturalized wetland approach with storm water and really work with municipalities to improve or increase the scope,” she says. She notes that Larch Park, one of Melcor’s more intimate communities in Edmonton’s southwest, was highly influential is upping the bar on storm water management design.
Larch Park nestles Whitemud Creek and its ravine lands brimming with biodiversity, so preserving and enhancing the natural surroundings and wildlife was top of mind when it came to development, which began in 2011.
“The naturalized wetlands in this community were influential in the development of some of the City’s guidelines. At the time in 2011, it was a real test case from a maintenance and operations perspective,” says Davis.
Unlike with aging infrastructure in the inner city where water from a rain event collects in gutters pulling all sorts of pollutants from the street and yard, then flows to catchment areas where it then flows into the river, naturalized storm water ponds and wetlands filter the water from a storm event through naturalized materials — mud, sand and indigenous grasses.
It is important that we look for solutions to manage our water quality going forward. We are really stewards of the land.
The water then flows into a naturalized storm water pond.
The design is beautiful, creates a nature-filled space for residents, and attracts abundant wildlife and birds, while efficiently filtering and cleaning storm water.
Melcor’s Aurora, a 57-hectare development in Edmonton’s southeast and its latest community in St. Albert, Jensen Lakes also features naturalized storm water ponds and wetlands, incorporating and building upon much of the learning in Larch Park.
The community of Blatchford is another example of outsidethe-box thinking when it comes to storm water management, sustainability and conservation.
Developed by the City of Edmonton, Blatchford will be a sustainable community, home to 30,000 people who will live, work and play in the area. Designed to be carbon neutral, the community will span 217 hectares and use 100 per cent renewable energy.
“Blatchford will use a strategy that centres on conservation, rainwater capture and the implementation of low-impact development for storm water management. This is a unique opportunity to build environmental sustainability from the ground up,” says Tom Lumsden, Blatchford’s development manager.
Rain gardens will capture stormwater and will allow it to infiltrate into the ground, reducing runoff volumes and absorbing pollutants.
Bioswales, which are shallow, landscaped depressions that are often integrated into roadways — cul de sacs and medians — will then carry the water towards naturalized storm water management ponds, where further filtration will occur. The process slows the runoff rate and allows the water to be directed to community irrigation systems — structural soil cells located under sidewalks, allowing trees and greenery to thrive.
Many local builders are also taking extra steps to encourage water conservation, whether it’s promoting rain barrel use, xeriscaping lawns or installing low-flow faucets and toilets.
“Incorporating best practices as it pertains to water conservation allows for infrastructure in neighbourhoods that bring us closer to nature and that allow for biodiversity, which is so valuable to residents,” says Melcor’s Davis.