CIFS Land Use

Where land use change occurs, designing drainage systems to encourage infiltration can help maintain stable streamflow and high water quality (adapted from del le Craz and Barten 2007). “A” represents water movement through a forest where most rainfall infiltrates into the soil providing water for streams that is clean and stable. “B” represents typical development where water flows along impervious surfaces carrying sediment and other pollutants directly into the stream. Without soil storage, these streams are much more flashy and prone to flooding. “C” represents a design where more forest cover is maintained and water from impervious surfaces and directed to areas where soil infiltration can occur.