Glossary

impermeable

Impermeable surfaces such as roads and sidewalks do not allow fluid to pass through them, which stops infiltration and contributes to runoff

watersheds

Watersheds are defined as all the land area that is drained by a watercourse and its tributaries.

precipitation

Precipitation is the result of atmospheric moisture and local microclimate. Urbanization contributes to generally warmer temperatures and less wind, resulting in an increase in rainfall volumes and intensities.

recharge

Recharge is the process of water percolating into the subsoil to become groundwater.

infiltration

Infiltration is the process of water soaking into the soil where it becomes available for recharge or transpiration.

transpiration

Transpiration occurs when plants take up water that has infiltrated into the soil and release it to the atmosphere as water vapour.

stormwater

Stormwater is water that accumulates on land as a result of storms. In cities this includes a large proportion of runoff from roads and roofs.

splash pad

Splash pads are pads, (pavers, bricks, etc.), placed beneath the outflow of a downspout to dissapate energy and stop erosion.

sewershed

Sewersheds are defined as all the land area that is drained by a network of sewers.

runoff

Runoff is water that runs along the surface of the ground into nearby stormsewers or directly into water bodies.

sewers

Sewers are underground pipes used to transport wastewater.

sanitary sewers

Sanitary sewers carry sewage to treatment plants.

combined sewers

Combined sewers carry both stormwater and sewage to treatment plants.

storm sewers

Stormsewers carry untreated stormwater to nearby water bodies.