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Urban Flood Mitigation and Sustainable Stormwater Management—2nd Edition
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Urban Flood Mitigation and Sustainable Stormwater Management—2nd Edition

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Urban Water Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 August 2025 | Viewed by 4355

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jinjun Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Interests: urban water cycle theory; urban hydrology; rainwater flood; stormwater management; sponge city and urban flood simulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Hao Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Interests: urban flooding; stormwater simulation; urban drainage network simulation; rainfall forecast; resilient city
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Urban flood management is an important part of urban water supply, water drainage, and water safety management. It is a hot topic in current urban hydrological research, as well as the scientific basis for urban green and sustainable development, scientific planning, and construction. It is closely related to urban residents' health and flood control safety. This Special Issue’s main research topics include urban waterlogging, urban flood disaster, urban stormwater management, urban low-impact development, sponge city design and construction, urban hydrological cycle, urban water security, urban water resources, urban water environment and water ecology, cause analysis of urban flood disaster, disaster loss evaluation, rainstorm-flood emergency technology, urban rainstorm-flood countermeasures, risk assessment and management of urban flood disasters, etc. Research articles, review articles, and other articles covering related fields and research topics are highly welcome. 

Dr. Jinjun Zhou
Dr. Hao Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Keywords

  • urban hydrology
  • urban flood
  • urban waterlogging
  • low-impact development
  • sponge city
  • urban stormwater management
  • urban flood damage
  • flood hazard risk
  • flood hazard risk

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 7598 KiB  
Article
Research on Urban Flood Risk Assessment Based on Improved Structural Equation Modeling (ISEM) and the Extensible Matter-Element Analysis Method (EMAM)
by Lin Yan, Lihong Zhang, Weichao Yang, Caixia Chen, Jianxin Lin, Zhenxian Chen, Xuefeng Jiang, Haoyang Liang, Peijiang Cong, Jinhua Gao and Tuo Xue
Water 2025, 17(13), 2025; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17132025 (registering DOI) - 5 Jul 2025
Abstract
With the rapid development of the global economy, urban flood events are occurring more frequently. Scientific risk assessment methods are of great significance in reducing the loss of life and property. This study is devoted to developing an integrated urban flood risk assessment [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of the global economy, urban flood events are occurring more frequently. Scientific risk assessment methods are of great significance in reducing the loss of life and property. This study is devoted to developing an integrated urban flood risk assessment approach based on improved structural equation modeling and the extensible matter-element analysis method. Firstly, a flood risk assessment index system containing four dimensions (hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and regional shelter capability) is established according to a hydrological–hydrodynamic model and a literature survey. Subsequently, improved structural equation modeling (ISEM) coupled with Pearson’s correlation coefficient is introduced to determine indicator weights while eliminating correlations among indicator variables, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the weight calculation. Finally, the extensible matter-element evaluation analysis method (EMAM) is employed to conduct the urban flood risk assessment, providing a more scientific evaluation of urban flood risks through the calculation results of the correlation degree between index factors and risk levels. The integrated flood risk assessment approach was applied in the Liwan District in Guangzhou City, China, and the results demonstrated that the novel approach effectively enhances the accuracy of urban flood risk assessment by 23.69%. In conclusion, this research offers a novel and high-precision methodology for risk assessment, contributing to decision-making in disaster prevention and control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Flood Mitigation and Sustainable Stormwater Management—2nd Edition)
21 pages, 3168 KiB  
Article
Detection and Driving Factor Analysis of Hypoxia in River Estuarine Zones by Entropy Methods
by Tianrui Pang, Xiaoyu Zhang, Ye Xiong, Hongjie Wang, Sheng Chang, Tong Zheng and Jiping Jiang
Water 2025, 17(13), 1862; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17131862 - 23 Jun 2025
Viewed by 158
Abstract
Hypoxia in river estuaries poses significant ecological and water safety risks, yet long-term high-frequency monitoring data for comprehensive analysis remain scarce. This study investigates hypoxia dynamics in the Shenzhen River Estuary (southern China) using two-year high-frequency monitoring data. A hybrid anomaly detection method [...] Read more.
Hypoxia in river estuaries poses significant ecological and water safety risks, yet long-term high-frequency monitoring data for comprehensive analysis remain scarce. This study investigates hypoxia dynamics in the Shenzhen River Estuary (southern China) using two-year high-frequency monitoring data. A hybrid anomaly detection method integrating wavelet analysis and temporal information entropy was developed to identify hypoxia events. The drivers of hypoxia were also identified with correlation coefficients and transfer entropy (TE). The results reveal frequent spring–summer hypoxia. Turbidity and total nitrogen (TN) exhibited significant negative correlations and time-lagged effects on dissolved oxygen (DO), where TE reaches a peak of 0.05 with lags of 36 and 72 h, respectively. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) loads, particularly suspended solids (SSs), showed a linear negative correlation with estuarine DO. Notably, the 2022 data showed minimal correlations (except SSs) due to high baseline pollution, whereas the post-remediation 2023 data revealed stronger linear linkages (especially r = −0.81 for SSs). The proposed “high-frequency localization–low-frequency assessment” detection method demonstrated robust accuracy in identifying hypoxia events, and mechanistic analysis corroborated the time-lagged pollutant impacts. These findings advance hypoxia identification frameworks and highlight the critical role of Turbidity and SSs in driving estuarine oxygen depletion, offering actionable insights for adaptive water quality management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Flood Mitigation and Sustainable Stormwater Management—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 240 KiB  
Article
Municipality–Property Owner Collaboration for Climate-Robust Stormwater Management: Experiences and Perspectives from Swedish Actors
by Erik Glaas, Sofie Storbjörk and Mattias Hjerpe
Water 2025, 17(7), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17070925 - 22 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 661
Abstract
Climate change and urban development patterns amplify the risks of flooding and water pollution. While climate-robust stormwater management has the potential to reduce these risks, its implementation remains slow. Enhanced and new forms of collaboration between municipalities and property owners are proposed as [...] Read more.
Climate change and urban development patterns amplify the risks of flooding and water pollution. While climate-robust stormwater management has the potential to reduce these risks, its implementation remains slow. Enhanced and new forms of collaboration between municipalities and property owners are proposed as the keys to advancing the volume and effectiveness of such measures. However, the practical outline of new collaborative practices between these actor categories within existing built urban environments is still in its early stages. This study uses the experiences and visions of respondents from eleven municipalities and six property companies in Sweden to start examining the challenges, needs, and requirements for such forms of collaboration. The study identifies current challenges, including ambiguous legislation, organizational differences, unclear roles and responsibilities, and weak economic incentives. Requirements for improved collaboration opportunities include overcoming perceived legal obstacles, assigning collaboration coordinators, establishing long-term collaborative forums, and clarifying financial principles and cost-sharing arrangements. Creating the conditions for collaboration thus requires changes in formal national frameworks, as well as changes in local organizational structures, norms, and traditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Flood Mitigation and Sustainable Stormwater Management—2nd Edition)
15 pages, 12466 KiB  
Article
Development of a Block-Scale Spatial Flood Vulnerability Index—Case Study: Morelia, Mexico
by Claudia Ximena Roblero-Escobar, Jaime Madrigal, Sonia Tatiana Sánchez-Quispe, Julio César Orantes-Avalos and Liliana García-Romero
Water 2025, 17(3), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17030422 - 3 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 895
Abstract
The study of urban floods is increasingly crucial due to their growing frequency and impact on densely populated areas, often characterized by inadequate drainage and located in flood-prone zones. The consequences extend beyond physical damage, significantly affecting economies and livelihoods, necessitating substantial economic [...] Read more.
The study of urban floods is increasingly crucial due to their growing frequency and impact on densely populated areas, often characterized by inadequate drainage and located in flood-prone zones. The consequences extend beyond physical damage, significantly affecting economies and livelihoods, necessitating substantial economic resources for recovery and infrastructure rebuilding. Urban planning now must integrate flood risk management, emphasizing not only infrastructural resilience but also comprehensive policies that address environmental and social vulnerabilities to better prepare and protect urban environments against future flood risks. This study addresses the critical issue of urban flood vulnerability through a focused analysis of Morelia, a city known for its susceptibility to flooding due to its geographical and hydrological characteristics and accelerated urban growth. Employing a multifaceted approach that integrates hydrological, socio-economic, and land use data within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) framework, the research develops a Spatial Flood Vulnerability Index (SFVI). This index is meticulously applied at the urban block level, offering a precise mapping of flood risks across the city. By correlating the SFVI results with historical flood data, the study identifies the most vulnerable areas in Morelia, which are primarily impacted due to their proximity to water bodies, economic density, and infrastructural settings. The methodology not only highlights immediate flood risks but also aids in strategic urban planning to enhance resilience against future flooding events. This paper contributes a novel approach to flood risk assessment, providing a replicable model for similarly affected cities worldwide, aiming to balance structural measures with strategic planning tailored to local needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Flood Mitigation and Sustainable Stormwater Management—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 6033 KiB  
Article
Urban Waterlogging Simulation and Disaster Risk Analysis Using InfoWorks Integrated Catchment Management: A Case Study from the Yushan Lake Area of Ma’anshan City in China
by Kun Wang, Jian Chen, Hao Hu, Yuchao Tang, Jian Huang, Youbing Wu, Jingyu Lu and Jinjun Zhou
Water 2024, 16(23), 3383; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233383 - 25 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1174
Abstract
Under the dual pressures of climate change and urbanization, cities in China are experiencing increasingly severe flooding. Using the Yushan Lake area in Ma’anshan City, Anhui Province, as a case study, we employed the InfoWorks Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) hydraulic model to analyze [...] Read more.
Under the dual pressures of climate change and urbanization, cities in China are experiencing increasingly severe flooding. Using the Yushan Lake area in Ma’anshan City, Anhui Province, as a case study, we employed the InfoWorks Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) hydraulic model to analyze the drainage and flood prevention system of the region and assess the current infrastructure for drainage and flood control. There are 117 pipelines with a return period lower than one year for stormwater and combined sewer systems, accounting for 12.3% of the total number of pipelines. The number of pipelines meeting the one-year but not the three-year return period standard is 700, representing 70.2%. Only 17.5% of the pipelines are capable of handling events exceeding the one-year standard. In simulating a 24 h, 30-year return period rainfall event, the results indicate that floodwater accumulation in the study area is predominantly between 0.15 m and 0.3 m. Most risk areas are classified as low risk, covering an area of 36.398 hectares, followed by medium and high-risk areas, which cover 8.226 hectares and 3.087 hectares, respectively. The Ma’anshan Yushan Lake area has, overall, certain flood control capabilities but faces flood risks during storms with return periods exceeding three years. This research offers valuable insights for improving urban flood management in Ma’anshan City through the development of a stormwater management model for the Yushan Lake area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Flood Mitigation and Sustainable Stormwater Management—2nd Edition)
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Review

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20 pages, 5116 KiB  
Review
Assessment of the Hydrological Performance of Grass Swales for Urban Stormwater Management: A Bibliometric Review from 2000 to 2023
by Xuefei Wang, Run Zhang, Qi Hu, Chuanhao Sun, Rana Muhammad Adnan Ikram, Mo Wang and Guo Cheng
Water 2025, 17(10), 1425; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17101425 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 572
Abstract
Grass swales have emerged as a cost-effective and sustainable stormwater management solution, addressing the increasing challenges of urbanization, flooding, and water pollution. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 224 publications to assess research trends, key contributors, and knowledge gaps in grass swale [...] Read more.
Grass swales have emerged as a cost-effective and sustainable stormwater management solution, addressing the increasing challenges of urbanization, flooding, and water pollution. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 224 publications to assess research trends, key contributors, and knowledge gaps in grass swale applications. Findings highlighted the growing emphasis on optimizing hydrological performance, particularly in response to intensifying climate change and urban flood risks. Experimental and simulation-based studies have demonstrated that grass swale efficiency is influenced by multiple design factors, including vegetation type, substrate composition, hydraulic retention time, and slope gradient. Notably, pollutant removal efficiency varies significantly, with total suspended solids (TSS) reduced by 34.09–89.90%, chemical oxygen demand (COD) by 7.75–56.71%, and total nitrogen (TN) by 32.37–56.71%. Additionally, studies utilizing the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and TRAVA models have demonstrated that integrating grass swales into urban drainage systems can result in a 17% reduction in total runoff volume and peak flow attenuation. Despite these advancements, key research gaps remain, including cost-effective design strategies, long-term maintenance protocols, and integration with other green infrastructure systems. Future research should focus on developing innovative, low-cost swale designs, refining optimal vegetation selection, and assessing seasonal variations in performance. Addressing these challenges will enhance the scientific foundation for grass swale implementation, ensuring their sustainable integration into climate-resilient urban planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Flood Mitigation and Sustainable Stormwater Management—2nd Edition)
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Other

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12 pages, 737 KiB  
Technical Note
Limited Time Resolution of Event Data Loggers Can Bias Intensity Measurements from Tipping-Bucket Rain Gauges
by David Dunkerley
Water 2025, 17(9), 1391; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17091391 - 6 May 2025
Viewed by 309
Abstract
Event data loggers are frequently used to record the date and time of tip events in tipping-bucket rain gauges. The HOBO® pendant event data logger is one such commercially available device commonly used for this purpose. It can record the contact closure [...] Read more.
Event data loggers are frequently used to record the date and time of tip events in tipping-bucket rain gauges. The HOBO® pendant event data logger is one such commercially available device commonly used for this purpose. It can record the contact closure of a TBGR reed switch at a maximum timing resolution of 1 s, tied to the timing of the logger clock, which is set each time the logger is launched. These event loggers are ideal for the routine recording of rainfall. This paper addresses the issue of whether they can also be relied upon when estimating short-term intensities, for which they were not designed. New experiments show that for a series of switch closures at fixed intervals other than exact multiples of 1 s, the HOBO® logger fails to record evenly spaced tip events. Thus, for example, with pulses at fixed 2.75 s intervals, the logger records some events as occurring at 2 s intervals and others at 3 s intervals. This quantization error means that there can be large errors in the logged time between bucket tip events. In natural rainfall, tip events can occur at any time, and inter-tip times, from which intensity can be estimated, will generally not be an integral number of seconds. Consequently, particularly in intense rain, the logger behaviour just described can lead to erroneous estimates of the rainfall rate estimated from the duration of individual inter-tip times. Possible solutions are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Flood Mitigation and Sustainable Stormwater Management—2nd Edition)
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