Urban life frequently faces common challenges, like flooding and waterlogged streets during the rainy season. The issue involves not only rainwater discharge but also a poor drainage system. We must consider solutions that are both effective and environmentally friendly. One effective approach is to create a sustainable drainage system that effectively manages rainwater while also helping to mitigate climate change.

The Importance of a Good Drainage System for Mitigating Climate Change

Climate change makes weather patterns more unpredictable. Heavy rains can occur more frequently and intensely, resulting in flooding, especially in large cities with many concrete surfaces. Soil that is supposed to absorb rainwater needs to function optimally.

With a good drainage system, rainwater can be managed more wisely. This means:

1. Rainwater can be absorbed back into the soil to maintain groundwater balance.
2. Prevent waterlogging and flooding which can damage infrastructure and disrupt public health.
3. Reducing polluted water runoff into rivers or the sea can damage water ecosystems.

A sustainable drainage system can significantly aid in climate change mitigation, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

Example of Sustainable Drainage Implementation

There are many ways to make drainage more environmentally friendly. Here are some effective examples that can be applied easily:

1. Biopore

Biopores are small holes in the ground that function to absorb rainwater. This hole is usually filled with organic waste which will later turn into compost. Apart from helping to absorb water, biopores also improve soil quality and reduce organic waste.

2. Infiltration wells

Infiltration wells function to capture rainwater and channel it back into the deep soil layers. This helps reduce water runoff into drainage channels while maintaining groundwater reserves, especially in areas that frequently experience drought.

3. Green Roof

A green roof is one of the modern ways to manage rainwater in buildings. By planting plants on the roof, rainwater can be absorbed by the plants and planting medium, reducing the load on the drainage system. Besides that, green roof also helps reduce environmental temperature and improve air quality.

Impact of Poor Drainage on the Environment

Apart from flooding due to overflowing rainwater, a poor drainage system can have wider impacts. Here are some of the impacts:

1. Water Pollution

Rainwater that is not managed properly often carries waste from the streets into rivers or the sea. As a result, the water ecosystem becomes polluted and has an impact on human and animal health.

2. Ecosystem Damage

Rainwater runoff that carries pollutants into rivers or lakes can damage the balance of the ecosystem. Living creatures that depend on clean water are threatened with losing their habitat.

How to Contribute to Supporting Environmentally Friendly Drainage

You don't need to be an environmental expert to advocate for a better drainage system. Here are some simple steps that can be done individually:

1. Make Biopore Holes at Home

You can start by making biopore holes in your yard or home area. Apart from helping absorb rainwater, this also reduces organic waste.

2. Install an Infiltration Well

If you have larger land, consider installing an absorption well. This is a small investment that has a big impact, especially on the environment.

3. Plant Trees or Plants

Plants have an important role in absorbing rainwater. By planting trees or creating a small garden in your home area, you help rainwater enter the soil and reduce runoff.

Building an environmentally friendly drainage system is an important step to creating a city that is greener and more resilient to climate change. Starting from simple implementations such as biopore to large programs such as green roof, every small step can have a big impact.