Flooding has brought significant damage to Texas in recent years. Unfortunately, continued development across the state, along with the growing threat of climate change, suggests that the challenge posed by flooding is unlikely to decrease. However, we can adapt to it. Historically, as forests, prairies and wetlands were replaced with development, people built “gray” infrastructure – sewage pipes, drainage tunnels and water treatment plants – to take over the job of water management. However, these systems are expensive to build and maintain, and their construction can produce harmful environmental impacts. Green stormwater infrastructure, however, can help mitigate flooding and protect water quality, at less economic and environmental cost than gray infrastructure. While green stormwater infrastructure cannot fully prevent flooding, it can limit property damage and water pollution, making these systems worthy of public investment.
