Green stormwater infrastructure: A critical review of the barriers and solutions to widespread implementation

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, aging infrastructure, and climate change impacts have put a strain on existing stormwater drainage systems. One commonly acknowledged solution to relieve such stress is Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI). Interest in GSI technology has been growing. However, the level of implementation in many areas around the world lags behind the interest level. This study aims to critically review the body of literature from the last decade to determine the main barriers to wide adoption and the offered solutions to overcome them. Based on a review of 92 peer‐reviewed journal articles published between 2012 and 2022, we classify barriers and solutions into six categories: socio‐cultural, financial, institutional and governance, legislative and regulatory, technical, and biophysical. Based on observations and conclusions from the reviewed articles, we recommend the following pillars and considerations for more GSI adoption: increasing awareness and outreach programs; enhancing knowledge and data co‐production and dissemination; acknowledging interdependency and context‐specificity of many of the challenges and solutions; prioritizing integrated and participatory watershed planning; overcoming institutional path‐dependencies; prioritizing innovative solutions; giving specific consideration to maintenance protocols; considering the role of public entities; and actively engaging with communities.