Application of Natural Water Retention Measures in Flood Management

Abstract

Due to climate change, increasingly extreme weather conditions and runoff parameters are leading to the enhancement of flood risk. The increasing probability of fast flowing, high intensity flash floods jeopardize both the residents of small municipalities and the fields of farmers, especially in the downstream areas of mountainous and hilly regions. In many cases the protection of settlements cannot be solved through conventional flood management approaches due to high investment costs and built-in floodplains. The main goal of this article is to analyse the potential of flood risk mitigation with applying natural water retention measures. These additional measures could have a positive effect on the quality and quantity of surface and groundwater. Research results facilitate an even more effective preparation in a way of applying nature based solutions to supplement traditional flood management.