Climate change in Wisconsin will increase the frequency and amounts of rainwater and runoff. According to WICCA “there is growing scientific knowledge about the potential frequency of large rainfalls is sufficient to warrant immediate changes in the methods used to design and manage storm water-related infrastructure.” The WICCI has determined that it is likely that Wisconsin will experience “wetter conditions and high water levels” (WICCI), due to climate change. Wisconsin will also have warmer winters leading to increase winter precipitation causing river flooding of lakes, rivers and groundwater. Managing water resources in Wisconsin is critical to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Climate change will produce more rainfall and groundwater
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Here is a list of climate change affecting Wisconsin identified by the WICCA Storm water working group;
• Averaged over the state since 1888, the magnitude of the 100-yer 24 hour storm event is (5”-7”inches) this is expected to increase by about 11% by the 2046-2065 time period.
• Total precipitation and heavy precipitation events are projected to increase significantly during winter and spring months December-April, potential to cause more high water events.
• The amount of precipitation that occurs as rain during the Winter months also projected to increase, when rick of high water events do not normally occur in Wisconsin
• Rural residential wellheads are contaminated by flood waters and high groundwater;
• Impoundments and storm water detention ponds fail more frequently;
• Raingardens and other bio filtration BMPs fail due to saturated soil …show more content…
A great example of this push towards collaboration is the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer District (MMSD). MMSD has received grant money to build “Green Infrastructure,” meaning building higher capacity storm water systems and rain capturing methods. MMSD has been working with “private and public partners to invest to a goal of building 740 million gallons' worth of green infrastructure storage capacity by 2035 in Milwaukee” (Behm MJS). Green infrastructure can be absorbing rain from porous pavement in streets and parking lots to trees and 55 gallon collection drums, MMSD is replacing conventional asphalt streets with “permeable pavement, allowing up to 27,000 gallons of rain in each storm to seep into the soil” (Behm MJS). A great example of future infrastructure improvements is a green roof that will be installed in the new Northwestern Mutual tower “1/3 of the roof of the Commons building build next to the tower will be covered with perennial and annual plants to absorb at least 36,400 gallons of water in a storm” (Behm
Here is a list of climate change affecting Wisconsin identified by the WICCA Storm water working group;
• Averaged over the state since 1888, the magnitude of the 100-yer 24 hour storm event is (5”-7”inches) this is expected to increase by about 11% by the 2046-2065 time period.
• Total precipitation and heavy precipitation events are projected to increase significantly during winter and spring months December-April, potential to cause more high water events.
• The amount of precipitation that occurs as rain during the Winter months also projected to increase, when rick of high water events do not normally occur in Wisconsin
• Rural residential wellheads are contaminated by flood waters and high groundwater;
• Impoundments and storm water detention ponds fail more frequently;
• Raingardens and other bio filtration BMPs fail due to saturated soil …show more content…
A great example of this push towards collaboration is the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer District (MMSD). MMSD has received grant money to build “Green Infrastructure,” meaning building higher capacity storm water systems and rain capturing methods. MMSD has been working with “private and public partners to invest to a goal of building 740 million gallons' worth of green infrastructure storage capacity by 2035 in Milwaukee” (Behm MJS). Green infrastructure can be absorbing rain from porous pavement in streets and parking lots to trees and 55 gallon collection drums, MMSD is replacing conventional asphalt streets with “permeable pavement, allowing up to 27,000 gallons of rain in each storm to seep into the soil” (Behm MJS). A great example of future infrastructure improvements is a green roof that will be installed in the new Northwestern Mutual tower “1/3 of the roof of the Commons building build next to the tower will be covered with perennial and annual plants to absorb at least 36,400 gallons of water in a storm” (Behm