January, 2019
- Hazard classification changed from "Drought" to "Heavy precipitation"
- Webpage link restored
by Sergio Contreras (WP3 leader)
Roads for Water
The impact of roads on landscapes and surface hydrology is now often negative. Roads cause erosion. They trigger sedimentation and cause local flooding. Road bodies are a main reason for drainage congestion and water logging. Wetland hydrology is disturbed by roads and fish movement affected, In some desert regions, roads trigger sand dune movement. This impact of roads on the surrounding landscape is not going to diminish. It will rather increase. In the coming decades many more roads and railways will be constructed. Besides, climate change is causing more droughts and floods.
The negative effect of roads on the environment can be reversed if roads are systematically used as instruments for rainwater harvesting. Thus, road harvesting can generate substantial positive impacts: more secure water supply, better soil moisture, reduced erosion and respite from harmful damage. In addition, rainwater harvesting leads to better returns to land and labour, and a higher ability of people, households and communities to deal with and prosper regardless of shocks and stresses.
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Since 2015, we have promoted and implemented the Roads for Water concept in Sub-saharan Africa. All technologies have been implemented on the field and socio-economic and hydrological monitoring has been carried out.
How does it work?
Road infrastructure itself can be used to harvest water and redistribute run-off to areas where it is beneficial. Roads either act as an embankment that guide water or act as a drain that channel rainwater. This can be used in a systematic way. The amount of water that can be harvested depends on the rainfall pattern, the catchment area as defined by the road, the rainfall patterns and the land use and soil characteristics within the catchment area.
There are many technologies that can be applied such as the construction of ponds harvesting water from culverts and roadside drainage, trenches and flood-water spreaders
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