River reclamation

The construction of new buildings and new roads accelerates the discharge of surface water runoff and raises flood peaks in the lower reachers of river catchments. River banks therefore have to be raised and flood channels have to be constructed. The adoption of sustainable urban drainage systems facilitates the reclamation of rivers. When water is detained, infiltrated and transpired near to the where it falls, flood peaks are lowered and rivers can be reclaimed. The high concrete walls in which they were confined can be replaced by vegetated embankments. Water quality is improved and wildlife returns to the river. Projects to achieve these objectives are described as River Reclamation or River Restoration.

Additional recommended knowledge

Weighing the right way

What is the Correct Way to Check Repeatability in Balances?

What is the Sensitivity of my Balance?

See also

• Reclamation
• Land rehabilitation
• Landscape planning
• Daylighting (streams)

References

Brookes, Andrew., Cannelized rivers : perspectives for environmental management. John Wiley, (1988)

Brookes A. & Shields F. D.,River Channel Restoration - Guiding Principles for Sustainable Projects. John Wiley & Sons (1996)