Comparison of traditional and sustainable rainwater management models applied in urban areas

Rapid urbanization that started with the industrial revolution is the most important human-induced effects of climate change. Rapid and unplanned urbanization causes rapid degradation and pollution of natural areas and most importantly, water resources. Thus, the correct and effective utilization of all kinds of water resources gained importance. Water management, water harvest and utilization of rainwater resulted from these effects. The increase in impermeable surfaces in urban areas caused increase in superficial flow and unused removal of rainwater from towns. Thus, many methods have been developed in the context of rainwater management. Utilization of the traditional and sustainable rainwater management models in urban areas depends on many factors. In this thesis, traditional and sustainable rainwater management models applied in urban areas have been mentioned. The main purpose of traditional rainwater management models, transferring the rainwater to the receiving environment through the sewer system by means of gratings or rainwater drainage channels without being subjected to any treatment. Sustainable rainwater management models are systems based on imitating nature, filtering rainwater with the help of plants, transferring it to the underground resources or the receiving environment and not disrupting the water cycle. In the continuation of the research, strategies were produced by comparing traditional and sustainable rainwater management models. As a result, it has been determined that the application of rainwater management models together in urban areas is the most accurate method for existing land uses.