1. Introduction
Urban Drainage Systems (UDS) are essential for stormwater management, as they contribute to urban development by addressing the increasing incidence of floods caused by intense storms, which are often linked to climate change. This leads to an increase in surface runoff and saturation of drainage networks, causing damage to property, infrastructure, and the environment [
1]. In particular, urban flooding occurs due to the insufficient capacity of traditional drainage systems based on Gray Infrastructure (GrI), for example van Oorschot
, et al. [
2] refer to them as urban elements constructed by humans that impact the local environment. This generates growing concern due to urban densification, population growth, and increased impervious surfaces. UDS (Urban Drainage Systems) are generally not designed to handle runoff from extreme storms, which limits their effectiveness as a tool combating urban flooding. This limitation is related to the type of UDS as well as the spatial characteristics and variations within a city [
3]. In Europe, these systems are designed for rainfall events with specific return periods. However, there is a significant gap between the expected protection and the actual risk of extreme flooding, as these events can occur anywhere in a city. This highlights the need for a thorough analysis of hazards and risks that includes both natural factors and the built environment [
4]. In other parts of the world, such as North America and Latin America, population growth, vulnerability, and a lack of understanding of sustainable urban infrastructure exacerbate urban flood risks. Based on this Arosio
, et al. [
5] argue that urban flood management is compromised by the lack of accurate data and appropriate models, which impairs the provision of essential services during and after extreme events. Also Rodríguez-Rojas
, et al. [
6] emphasize the need to close the gap in sustainable drainage systems by integrating SuDS that replicate the natural hydrological cycle, including infiltration, retention and reuse of water. The incorporation of these systems into regulations and laws is often developed in a general manner and lacks specific regulatory measures. Consequently, it is crucial to improve urban drainage infrastructure and adopt effective flood management strategies to enhance urban resilience and mitigate adverse impacts, especially in Latin America.
According to the data available in EM-DAT, based on the impact that floods have on the world,
Figure 1 shows the number of people affected by floods on each continent, proving the vulnerability they suffer [
7].
On the other hand,
Figure 2 frames the number of deaths due to floods on each continent [
7].
Based on the graph, Asia had the highest number of affected people (deaths and victims), which gives an idea of how flood management has not been implemented effectively in several countries on the continent, while continents such as Europe and Oceania have considerably lower figures. This pattern suggests that the impact of natural disasters varies significantly at a global level, influenced by various factors. The main causes of this disparity are the density and distribution of the population, the geographic location (rural or urban areas), the predominant type of meteorological event, the socioeconomic conditions, and the magnitude of the exposed population, among others.
Transferring this data to a national scale, according to EM-DAT, Peru has recently experienced hydrological phenomena that had a serious impact on its citizens.
Figure 3 illustrates the number of victims and
Figure 4 the number of deaths in the recent years.
According to the data presented, the current context of traditional urban drainage systems in Peru is interpreted, with particular emphasis on extreme weather events associated with El Niño phenomenom (ENSO). The years 2017 and 2023 recorded the highest highest figures for deaths and affected people, coinciding with intense rainfall linked to these phenomena. Following this, Espinoza Vigil and Booker [
8] highlight that during the period 2016-2017, ENSO had a devastating impact in Peru, with torrential rains that caused damage to infrastructure and affected about 2 million people. Similarly, Thielen
, et al. [
9] note that in 2023 there was an intensification of the ENSO, driven by a significant increase in the surface sea temperature, which generated extreme and widespread rainfall in various regions of the country. These events underline the vulnerability of traditional drainage systems, based on grey infrastructure, which have not been able to efficiently manage the volume and intensity of precipitation associated with El Niño. Given this panorama, the need arises for a transition towards more resilient drainage systems supported by green infrastructure or solutions based on nature, which can more effectively reduce the number of deaths and victims in the future impacts of extreme climate phenomena.
According to Barreto
, et al. [
10], it is suggested that UDS can be optimized in terms of system capacity, pollution reduction and reduction of damage to urban infrastructure, in addition to promoting proper environmental management. However, there is a permanent gap facing extreme rainfall events in Peru. Currently, the comprehensive management of rainwater in urban environments is linked to restoring water cycles, that is, reusing water from rainfall through collection and storage infrastructures. In addition, this comprehensive management aims to make cities more habitable, based on an approach based on water management, use of existing infrastructure and natural alternatives; proposing a real solution to the detiorated infrastructure, urbanization, the need for sustainable tools and the climate crisis [
11]. In this regard, the International Water Association (IWA) promotes an intelligent society in water use and a wise behaviour in water use, highlighting the advancement of digital technologies and the integration of hybrid solutions combining natural infrastructure with coventional methods. Furthermore, cross-disciplinary collaboration between stakeholders is crucial to identify and resolve conflicts and to develop adaption strategies that will drive the transition towards sustainable and resilient urban drainage systems [
12].
One of the pillars proposed in this GWS research is based on
Green Infrastructure (GI), for example; [
13,
14] define this term as a set of natural and sustainable solutions designed to manage rainwater effectively in urban environments. It is also linked to the concept “Nature-based Solutions” (NBS), these integrate the water cycle in built areas, adapting to different denominations such as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), which replicate natural hydrological responses to reduce flow and store water, mitigate urban flooding and consequently improve local quality of life and promote water security.
Based on this, the integration of GI with traditional grey infrastructure in urban flood management provides effective solutions, social benefits and improved ecosystem services from human well-being and economic development [
15]. On the other hand, [
16] highlight the integration of
Blue Infrastructure (BI), which are the components of the natural environment related to water, such as rivers, lakes and wetlands. This approach proposes the use of water resources in a sustainable way. Considering the above [
17] mention the importance of achieving a green-grey-blue infrastructure (BGGrI) mix, as they highlight this approach as a comprehensive and sustainable alternative to traditional green-grey infrastructure in urban stormwater management. In accordance with this vision, BGGrI proposes a strategy that combines centralized measures to effectively adapt the impacts or urban development and extreme weather events, and that is because integration with BI elements such as rivers and wetlands, strenghtens the path to more resilient cities by providing natural flood defences and other climate adaptation benefits but they require careful coordination to avoid negative impacts. However, this research focuses on the implementation of green and grey infrastructure (GGrI) in an urban context, as it reduces
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO), which are events where urban sewer systems such as designed to carry both waste and stormwater, cannot handle the volume of water during heavy rains. This is why the implementation of GGrI proposes an improvement of urban water quality and offers a real long term solution by optimizing the use of existing infrastructure and integrating real-time control techniques, that maximise the efficiency of the system to manage rain events and reduce
CSO effectively [
18]. In addition, Alves, Vojinovic, Kapelan, Sanchez and Gersonius [
18] enhance the integration of GI, as it manages urban flood runoff with Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), reducing pressure on drainage systems during heavy rains, and therefore, improving urban resilience, the combination with traditional grey infrastructure and more robust and efficient water management.
Figure 5 details the idea of continuity integration of terms related to this research in order to control urban flooding. From the figure, urban flooding caused by high rainfall is traditionally managed through GrI, such as sewers and storm drains. However, its limited capacity to manage storm run-off has led to the adoption of hybrid approaches, integrating green and grey infrastructure (gardens, parks, green areas) forming the integrated green-grey infrastructure (GGrI). In addition, the incorporation of blue infrastructure (BI), which leverages natural water resources such as rivers, lakes and wetlands, refines this model into a blue-green and grey infrastructure (BGGrI). Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) complement this strategy in parallel, focusing on resilient groundwater management and run-off infiltration through systems that promote biodiversity, amenity and both water quantity and quality, providing a holistic and sustainable solution for urban flood management.
Now, with the concepts and definitions developed in
Figure 5, where does the term GWS fit? This term is not included in either papers or literature reviews currently, however, its interpretation focuses on the tools implemented by green infrastructure to combat the phenomenon of flooding. According to Ortega Sandoval
, et al. [
19], they interpret this term as part of an integrated urban stormwater management approach that incorporates green infrastructure techniques, where it is sought to mitigate the adverse effects of rapid urbanization, including increased run-off volume and peak flow, as well as problems of rainfall flooding and waterlogging. Liquete
, et al. [
20] also understand it as part of the NBS, which seeks to address social, environmental and economic challenges through the use of natural ecosystems or nature-inspired solutions. In the European context, the use of these green infrastructures is promoted as smart strategies to achieve multiple political objectives, including those related to climate change, natural risk management and water policy. It is also important to mention that the countries of the European Union have made various commitments to achieve resilient cities, which are highlighted in the framework of the Smart Mature Resilience project
(2017), focusing on the improvement of the capacity of cities to adapt and recover from environmental, social and economic threats, such as natural disasters, climate change and socio-economic crises [
21]. This underlines the importance of implementing such measures in Latin American countries such as Peru, adjusting them to the specific vulnerability that each nation faces to natural phenomena.
On the other hand, Rusman
, et al. [
22] refer to GWS as an aquaculture system that uses dense populations of microalgae present in ponds or other water sources, fed with agricultural and domestic waste, sometimes supplemented with chemical fertilizers. This approach allows for improved management and quality control of water, as well as facilitating the system’s rainwater transport. In addition, Zanardo
, et al. [
23] define it as systems used in aquaculture, especially in shrimp production, that use water from ponds where different species of fish are grown.
Therefore, due to the ambiguity of the term in question, this study will carry out a literature review to understand the various definitions about GWS, that is why this literature exploration aims to answer the following sustainability-based questions (QBS):
Additionally, and based on the responses of the QBS, a definition of GWS will be reached in this article, from an approach based on NBS resulting in a typology of SuDS. However, it is relevant to consider the definitions of some authors about SuDS, such as [
24] who conceptualize it to manage runoff in cities more sustainably and provide other benefits such as mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Also, [
19] define it as urban green infrastructure designed for stormwater control, which promotes more sustainable management of runoff in cities and additionally replicates natural drainage conditions prior to urban development and highlights that SuDS research and implementation vary geographically and typologically, depending on local climates and urban conditions.
SuDS undoubtedly play a fundamental role in this research, since it provides a solution to flooding in an urban context. However, for the viability of these, there are “Regulations” or “Design Codes” that provide the criteria, parameters and considerations depending on the type of GWS to be designed. For instance, the SuDS Manual C753 CIRIA [
25], is a British guide that provides a comprehensive and detailed framework for the design, implementation and maintenance of SuDS, and offers a variety of SuDS typologies, including bioretention zones, green roofs, permeable pavements, infiltration ditches. This regulation promotes the sustainability and multifunctionality of SuDS, based on a holistic approach, considering both water management and social and environmental benefits. On the other hand, the NS-166 “Criterios para Diseño y Construcción de Sistemas Urbanos de Drenaje Sostenible” EEAB [
26] is a Colombian regulation, focused on adapting SuDS to the particular conditions of the city of Bogotá. This regulation considers the climatic, topographic and urban characteristics of the city, providing precise criteria and guidelines for the design and construction of SuDS suitable for these conditions, it also includes the use of local materials and proper construction techniques for the urban environment of the city. Although it also promotes sustainability, its focus is mainly on efficient water management and flood risk reduction, prioritizing hydraulic efficiency and adaptability to local conditions. Now, according to these generalized approaches around the globe, this study will carry out a literature review to understand the various regulations and guidelines that regulate the design, criteria, parameters and considerations for the construction of SuDS in an urban context in Peru, that is why this literary exploration aims to answer the following questions based on design codes (QBC):
To reach these answers, the “Materials and Methods” section outlines the systematic search development in two search engines (Scopus and Web of Science), focused on the definition of GWS. This section analyzes the obtained results accompanied by graphs and tables to aid understanding, and also integrates the concept into the flow chart on urban flood management. Additionally, it addresses the existing regulatory framework on SuDS design worldwide, providing an explanatory and dynamic approach to clarify the concepts developed and related to the article, since it performs a systematic search to obtain results on definitions for GWS and Design Codes for SuDS. The “Discussion” section aims to assess the social and economic aspects of applicability regarding the proposed Design Code in Peru, as well as to substantiate the GWS concept. Finally, the “Results” section encompasses the entire development of this article, based on hypotheses.
4. Discussion
The discussion in this article is relies on the research questions (QBS and QBC), and based on the methods used and the results obtained, it is possible to address each of the formulated questions.
Green Water Systems (GWS) encompass a comprehensive approach to the collection and management of green water in urban environments. These systems employ nature-based solutions and sustainable urban drainage practices. This method considers green water parameters to optimize water capture and reuse. The primary goal of GWS is to mitigate urban flooding. To achieve this, they efficiently integrate existing infrastructure (gray infrastructure) with green and blue infrastructure elements. This integration not only improves stormwater management and reduces flood risk, but also contributes to overall environmental sustainability by promoting a more balanced and resilient urban envinroment (UFR).
Peru presents a great climatic and geographic diversity. Coastal and urban areas, such as Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, and other regions of Peru, can benefit from GWS due to their capacity to manage rainwater/precipitation and reduce flood risk in areas with limited gray infrastructure. However, in regions with intense rainfall or mountainous terrain, implementing or integrating GWS may require technical adjustments to adapt to local conditions. Additionally, GWS promote environmental sustainability by integrating vegetation (green areas) with existing urban infrastructure, improving water quality and fostering biodiversity. They highlight their connection to SuDS as fundamental design pillars, encouraging the creation of green spaces that enhance quality of life in urban areas without the need to completely replace existing systems, such as stormwater drainage and sewer systems. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) align with GWS principles by offering a more integrated approach that combines green, gray, and blue infrastructure with water management systems.
Figure 11 highlights how GWS fit into the proposed continuity line for urban flood management.
It can be concluded that GWS can be a valuable tool for combating urban flooding in Peru, especially when adapted to local conditions and integrated with existing infrastructure. According to Espinoza Vigil and Carhart [
167] the need and the challenge of implementing sustainable and resilient infrastructure in a Peruvian context will depend on a holistic management and approach to prevent them from operating in isolation and adapting to the changing needs of the population in Peru. Added to this, the effectiveness of GWS will depend on proper planning and design, as well as their integration with other water management strategies.
As seen in section 3.2 of the Results, the most important parameters to consider are: area, impervious surface area, slope, distance to the water table, composted organic material, time for adequate capacity, water depth, system depth, width, conductivity, planting density, and velocity. Each of these design criteria has been developed using the International System of Units (SI) in each of the countries studied, so the proposal for Peru will also follow these units. However, if another region wishes to use this research to develop its own regulations and uses a different system of units, the values are easily convertible. It is also noted that the proposal is pending field validation for future implementation.
Although this research standardizes GWS through the use of bioretention areas, which is a type of SuDS, it does not overlook the opportunity to utilize the design parameters of this system to develop SuDS regulations in Peru. It is important to note that Peru already has stormwater drainage regulations; however, they lack parameters regulating SuDS or GWS. Therefore, this article can be used to expand the current regulatory framework.
Regarding the SuDS design regulations, it should be noted that there are more documents worldwide that regulate their design. In some of the countries mentioned in the Materials and Methods section, there are various guides for each region within the country. For example, in Spain, this study used the document from Valencia. However, there is another guide from Madrid, which was not included in this study because the parameters examined are similar regardless of the city.
Peru currently does not have regulations governing SuDS or GWS, on the other land in its OS.010 [
168] of its National Building Regulation have “Filter Gallaries” that have a similiar use to the bioretention zones. However, they do not have defined the parameters seen in this investigation.