Water Wheel Jan/Feb 2021: Urban Water Management

Abstract

Managing natural surface runoff water and exercise According to the Latin phrase adastra per aspera, it is possible that something better could develop from a difficult or delicate situation. Unexpected future positive outcomes can result from current unpleasantness. At the time (January 1980) when we bought our property, which is located on a downwards slope in a crescent with a street front, natural surface rainwater flowed freely from the four adjoining plots higher up in the area over our garden area, especially in the winter months. It made a natural turn followed the slope and thereafter the stream moved across my neighbour’s plot towards the street. The flow of the water was nowhere artificially directed or channelled. It flowed spontaneously down the slope, with the shortest logical route down the street and the municipal storm water drainage system. Twenty years later, my neighbour next door sold her property and circumstances changed drastically. A solid brick wall was installed on the boundary line by the new owner.

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