Stormwater in built-up areas - time to involve citizens

Summary

Low impact development (LID) are part of the stormwater management strategy of Oslo municipality. For new property developments, the municipality demands that stormwater is managed on the property. This is not an obligation for already existing buildings. This article focuses on how to engage private landowners in stormwater management, and factors motivating their contribution. The target group was 462 households in Grefsen (Oslo, Norway), which received a survey and bidding sheet. The majority of respondents (78 %) could imagine having at least one of the suggested LID measures on their property. On average, bidders wanted to pay 7-17 % of total costs. The auction will result in implementing rain gardens, rain barrels, green roofs and permeable surfaces funded by Oslo VAV, NIVA and bid winners. This study demonstrates that economic incentives can motivate homeowners to implement LID measures on their property.