Urban Drainage Systems as Key Infrastructure in Cities and Towns

Modern tendencies in storm drainage of urban catchments and traffic infrastructure are not yet applied in Serbia, where the problems of storm runoff quantity and quality are generally solved in traditional engineering manner. One of the reasons for such a situation is the lack of national regulations and guidelines on urban storm drainage practice. The main objective of the project is to develop guidelines and proposals for standards that would introduce up-to-date principles for storm water quantity and quality control into national practice. The project deals with development of methods for storm water removal and treatment in two ways: on experimental catchments and using simulation models. Experience gained in application of various control measures will be the basis for making practical guidelines. Two experimental catchments are planned, in Belgrade and Subotica, while the results from a similar experimental catchment operated by the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Rijeka, Croatia, will be also included. In cooperation with national hydromet service, radar rainfall measurements and forecasts will be used as an improved rainfall input for modelling purposes. The existing urban drainage modelling software will be expanded with modules for pollution deposition on the catchment, and runoff quantity and quality control. Finally, dissemination of knowledge and experimental experience is planned via research publications and training courses for planners and practitioners.