Sustainable rainwater and runoff management
Naturem Solutions helps public and private sectors as well as property developers apply nature-based solutions for the sustainable management of rainwater and runoff on their sites, in compliance with the national/regional regulations in force.
Manage stormwater to restore the natural water cycle
Residential, industrial and agricultural projects have an impact on the natural water cycle. They can disrupt natural water flows and lead to increased runoff, reduced water infiltration and aquifer recharge, erosion problems, downstream flooding, and pollution of soils and watercourses.
Sustainable management of this runoff water helps to restore the natural water cycle (retention, evaporation, infiltration, etc.). This solution reduces the risk of flooding caused by stream overflow or direct runoff, ensures water depollution, recharges aquifers, improves the quality of water bodies and relieves the sewerage network.
Our sustainable rainwater and runoff management approach
We offer practical solutions for the sustainable management of rainwater and runoff on your site, integrating them into green and blue infrastructure. We can also act as consultants for the development or assessment of public water management policies or strategic plans (institutional support).
Study of your project’s impact on rainwater
We begin with an analysis of your project’s impact on rainwater and runoff. We carry out an inventory of contributing surfaces (including watershed modelling where necessary) to identify runoff, retention and infiltration areas. We then quantify flows through rainfall-runoff calculations. We can also conduct infiltration or percolation tests.
Selection and design of infrastructure
Based on this first stage, we select and size the water management structures best suited to the situation, including integrated treatment solutions where necessary. We prioritise source-control management and limiting soil sealing to promote water infiltration and minimise runoff. We propose alternative solutions such as swales, retention and infiltration basins, filter strips, wetlands, bioretention systems, rain trees, rain gardens, etc. We also determine the sequence of structures within the water treatment and management train to ensure performance and achieve the best results.
These nature-based solutions also involve living soils and vegetation. They provide multiple benefits, such as climate-change adaptation, improved biodiversity, landscaping, combating urban heat islands, recreational aspects, etc.
Where necessary, we also work with more conventional infrastructure (stormwater retention basins, etc.) for industrial or other projects.
Rainwater reuse and recycling systems
In some cases, rainwater and runoff can also be reused and recycled for other uses, such as industrial activities. We develop solutions to recover these external water flows and reduce the environmental impact of your activity.
Why implement sustainable rainwater management?
Obtain your planning or environmental permit
Rainwater and runoff management is regulated in Belgium and elsewhere. For any planning or environmental permit application, you must demonstrate compliance with the regulations in force. There is a hierarchy of outlets, and every construction project must integrate appropriate water management solutions. Naturem Solutions ensures structures that comply with these legal requirements. We also act as experts for BREEAM® certification and its criteria on “Flood and surface water management”.
Protect the environment
The objective of sustainable rainwater and runoff management is to limit the environmental impact of your project and protect the environment. Our nature-based water management solutions help restore the water cycle. They protect soils and watercourses, reduce flood risks and promote aquifer recharge. In addition to protecting nature and biodiversity, you also demonstrate your CSR commitment.
Reduce your costs
Because sustainable rainwater and runoff management reduces flood risks, you prevent damage caused by water-related incidents. You protect your infrastructure and therefore achieve savings on repairs. Rainwater reuse and recycling systems also enable you to reduce water treatment costs and mains water supply costs.
Naturem Solutions, your sustainable water management expert
Multidisciplinary expertise
Naturem Solutions has proven expertise and extensive international experience in water management. Our multidisciplinary team, working with external partners and experts, can respond to your needs in various fields and provide appropriate solutions.
Complete project support
Our team does not simply propose theoretical solutions. It supports you throughout your project: infiltration tests, water streals analysis, selection of appropriate structures, sizing, order of priority, implementation, etc. When required, we call on our expert network to cover all aspects of your project. This 360-degree approach guarantees sustainable results.
Commitment to sustainability
Our approach is based on regulatory foundations that limit your project’s impact on the environment. Wherever possible, we prioritise sustainable and innovative alternatives that preserve and restore the water cycle. We always seek to integrate cutting-edge technologies and environmentally friendly practices.
Do you need an expert in sustainable rainwater and runoff management?