Design considerations for urban green infrastructure taking into account water quality

Urban green infrastructure, like green roofs and trees, can help reduce urban heat island effects and flooding but can also impact water quality both positively and negatively. The influence on water quality depends on factors such as design, maintenance, and pollutant sources like street runoff, landscape practices, and sewer discharges. These pollutants travel through pathways like surface runoff and soil infiltration, affecting people who use water bodies for recreation or irrigation. Properly designed green spaces can improve water quality by reducing runoff and promoting bioremediation, but poorly executed projects may have adverse effects. Addressing issues like maintenance and construction experience is key to successful implementation. This report offers guidelines to optimize the positive impacts of green infrastructure on surface water quality.