Browse e-KNOWBASE

Category FAQs Search : Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak

Question: What is Stormwater Management?

Answer: Stormwater Management is everything done within a catchment to remedy existing stormwater problems and to prev ent the occurrence of new problems. It involves the development and implementation of a combination of structural and non-structural measures to reconcile the conveyance and storage function of stormwater systems within the space and related needs of an expanding population. It also involves the development and implementation of a range of measures or Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve the quality of stormwater runoff prior to its discharge to receiving waters.
Sarawak is located immediately north of the equator and it experiences two monsoons yearly. The North East Monsoon, which usually occurs between November to February, brings with it heavy rainstorms. The annual average rainfall is above 3,000 millimeters. During these rainstorms, flooding in the low-lying areas and natural floodplains along many rivers and even in some urban areas are common.

Over the years, intensive urban development has resulted in a large proportion of the land surface been paved or covered with impervious surfaces, roads and buildings. This leads to dramatic increase in surface run-off during rainfall. The development of floodplain of some watercourses has also reduced their flood carrying capacity and has further aggravated the flooding problem.

(Source: Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak, 06 May 2020)

Source Link: https://did.sarawak.gov.my/page-0-118-98-Resource-Centre-Stormwater-Management.html