Modeling Urban Growth Effects on Surface Runoff

Urban Water Runoff Results in Water-Bourne diseases

  • This study was conducted to explain the link between storm rainfall and contamination from sewage systems that impact urban water supplies by spreading waterborne diseases. The study examined the quantified amount of sewage released from urban areas under different hydrologic conditions to identify the amount of sewage exposure. This was done to find the effect urban water pollution had on the community.

  • The paper discusses the effects of storm runoff on the urban water supply, this runoff causes the spread of waterborne diseases and can affect the immediate population.

Methods:

Rain events were measured and sampled to determine the amount of sewage (“using genetic markers for human Bacteroids and Lachnopiraceae).” Samples were also collected at Lake Michigan estuary and at three different river locations located upstream. The study used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Combined sewer overflow (CSO) events increased concentrations and loads of human-associated indicators. The contamination found in the surface water was too high for recreational use. “Sewage exfiltration from pipes threatens drinking water distribution systems and source water.” This study demonstrates widespread sewage contamination released from urban areas. A limiting factor of this study is understanding human exposure and illness rates.


Local Rivers and Lakes become polluted from urban water runoff.

Findings: Urban waterways are affected by heavy rainfall due to climate change. The increased volume of rainfall has resulted in sewage runoff affecting the urban water supply. The runoff has made the water unfit for personal use. This study will help to identify failing sewage systems and putting policy in place to prevent urban water contamination.

Possible Solutions: More intense rainfall due to climate causes more urban water pollution. Failing infrastructures need to be fixed. Climate change has put a tremendous stress on urban waterways due to increased rainfall. These findings will help communities prioritize remedies to fix urban water systems and sewage systems to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

Citation

Olds, H. T., Corsi, S. R., Dila, D. K., Halmo, K. M., Bootsma, M. J., & McLellan, S. L. (2018). High levels of sewage contamination released from urban areas after storm events: A quantitative survey with sewage specific bacterial indicators. PLOS Medicine, 15(7), e1002614. doi/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002614