A storm water management plan for Gozo

Abstract

Storm water is invariably one of the chief infrastructural problems the island of Gozo is currently facing due to: • Rainfall patterns in the Maltese islands. Rainfall in the Maltese islands generally last only for a relatively short period but being of high intensity. This rainfall pattern creates a greater problem with respect to surface run off. • Rapid urbanization The effect of this particular concern is the elimination of most natural processes and their replacement by man made procedures. Storm water drains replace streams with a negative consequence of runoff intensification. The aim of this dissertation study is to provide guidelines to future storm water management works in the island of Gozo. This dissertation studies the possible pollutants present in urban and rural runoff, their effect on the environment, most particularly ground water and means to reduce or eliminate this pollutant loading. This is backed up by relevant foreign case studies.