Posted by EPA conducted a new study – Estimating Monetized Benefits of Groundwater Recharge from Stormwater Retention Practices – to estimate the groundwater recharge benefits from application of small storm retention practices on new development and redevelopment nationwide. The study focuses on areas in the U.S. where groundwater is a significant contributor to urban and agricultural uses and where water shortages may occur in the future under different climate change scenarios. The results show that, over time, the use of green infrastructure can save hundreds of millions of dollars in groundwater resources, while just applying the practices to new development and redevelopment only. If retrofitting or increased retention were to occur, the groundwater benefits would be even more significant.
The study’s findings are available as a PDF report here.
Source: US EPA
Lake Stewardship 