78 Multi-Benefit Resources

From ash pond to Riverside Wetlands: Making the business case for engineered natural technologies

Author: Guertin et al., (2018)
Geography: Midwestern U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Decision support tool

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Land Management, Wetland protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Habitat and biodiversity

From ash pond to Riverside Wetlands: Making the business case for engineered natural technologies applies a nature valuation framework to a case study on the Tittabawassee River in Michigan. This framework was developed through a partnership with the Dow Chemical Company and the Nature Conservancy to meet a goal of $1 billion in long term value for business projects that improve nature. This article explains the framework and applies it to the Tittabawassee River site.

Green Infrastructure Evaluation Framework

Author: National Recreation and Park Association (2019)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Air quality, Ambient water quality, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Recreation, Urban heat island, Water quality

The Green Infrastructure Evaluation Framework allows for people planning green infrastructure projects to identify and systematically calculate project benefits. Step one of the framework has a tool to identify all the different benefits that could be expected. Step two lays out how to collect and manage data to evaluate green infrastructure. Step 3 builds a structure on how to use the data, once collected, for communication inside and outside of the organization.

Nature-Based Solutions Evidence Tool

Author: University of Oxford (2019)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Economic valuation, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural flooding, Agricultural land management, Conservation design, Floodplain connectivity and rehabilitation, Forest thinning, Infiltration or filtration, Land Management, Living shorelines, Low impact landscaping, Recharge area protection, Reforestation and forest conservation, Riparian buffers, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage, Stream protection and restoration, Wetland protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Agricultural, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Community resilience, Extreme events, Flooding, GHG emissions, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, In stream flows, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Resource recovery, Risk and Resilience, Soil health, Supply augmentation, System resilience, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

The Nature-Based Solutions Evidence Tool is primarily an online catalog of peer-reviewed research that provides evidence of the impacts of nature-based solutions (NbS) on a wide variety of benefit categories. The tool allows the user to filter results in a variety of ways, including by intervention type, habitat type, climate change impact, effect of Nbs on ecosystem service, geography, and more. Results are displayed in a variety of formats, helping the user to understand the landscape of quantitative and economic research related to a variety of NbSs.

The Napa River Basin, California

Author: Naturally Resilient Communities (2016)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural flooding, Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Embankment and horizontal levees, Flood bypass systems, Flood Control, Floodplain connectivity and rehabilitation, Land Management, Recharge area protection, Riparian buffers, Storm drains and pipes, Wetland protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Ambient water quality, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Recreation, Total flood volume, Water quality

The Napa River Basin, California provides a short overview of the multi-benefit approach taken by the Napa River communities to mitigate flood risk. The chosen approach deliberately sought not only to reduce the risk and impact of flooding from the Napa River, but also to preserve and restore habitat, reconnect the floodplain, and improve community livability.

Economics for the Environment Project Page

Author: Economics for the Environment (2019)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Economic valuation, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Flood Control, Land Management, Reforestation and forest conservation

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Water quality

The Economics for the Environment Project Page provides summaries of several case studies and economic valuations for natural resources in the United Kingdom. Projects include analysis of natural flood management, economic valuation of urban natural capital, and chemical usage in watersheds.

Identifying linkages between urban green infrastructure and ecosystem services using an expert opinion methodology

Author: Elliott et al., Columbia University (2019)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Conservation design, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Agricultural, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Community resilience, Educational opportunity, End use energy, Energy, Extreme events, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, People and Community, Recreation, Resource recovery, Risk and Resilience, Soil health, Supply augmentation, System resilience, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply

Identifying linkages between urban green infrastructure and ecosystem services using an expert opinion methodology compares benefits in urban distributed stormwater infrastructure. This is commonly known as green infrastructure (GI), provides a wide variety of benefits. This study offers both a methodology for evaluating the multiple benefits of GI as well as a decision-support tool developed through interviews with 46 academic experts that helps to rank different GI strategies based on their known ability to deliver a variety of co-benefits.

Towards a New Paradigm of Urban Water Infrastructure: Identifying Goals and Strategies to Support Multi-Benefit Municipal Wastewater Treatment

Author: Harris-Lovett, Lienert, & Sedlak, University of California, Berkeley (2018)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized wastewater treatment, Engineered wetlands, Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Wastewater Treatment, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Ambient water quality, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, People and Community, Regulatory compliance, Resource recovery, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, System resilience, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Towards a New Paradigm of Urban Water Infrastructure: Identifying Goals and Strategies to Support Multi-Benefit Municipal Wastewater Treatment examines the decision making barriers to adopting multibenefit solutions. Transitioning to a new paradigm of water management that supports and advances projects with multiple benefits will require new approaches, tools, and systems. This article attempts to identify the obstacles for these new requirements through a study from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Green Infrastructure Co-Benefits Valuation Tool

Author: Armstrong, Earth Economics, GI Exchange (2019)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Economic valuation, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Conservation design, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Educational opportunity, Flooding, Land and environment, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Supply augmentation, Total flood volume, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply

The Green Infrastructure Co-benefits Valuation Tool is intended to provide a framework, methods, and values to support rapid screening-level analysis of the costs and benefits associated with a range of GI investments. The tool itself is based in Microsoft Excel and comes with a users guide and fact sheet.

The Untapped Potential of California’s Water Supply: Efficiency, Reuse, and Stormwater – Issue Brief

Author: Gleick et al., Pacific Institute, NRDC (2014)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural efficiency, Commercial or industrial reuse, Delivery system efficiency, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Indirect potable reuse, Infiltration and filtration, On site nonpotable reuse, Runoff storage, Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Urban indoor efficiency, Urban outdoor efficiency, Water Conservation and Efficiency, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, Energy, Energy for water extraction, GHG emissions, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Increased pressures on Californias water supply, including from population growth and intense periods of drought exacerbated by climate change, are leading to the overuse of surface water and groundwater. But with existing technology and conservation methods, the state can take vital steps to improve its resilience to drought and plan for a more sustainable water future. This issue brief, produced in collaboration with the Natural Resources Defense Council, is a statewide analysis of the potential for improved efficiency in agricultural and urban water use, water reuse and recycling, and increased capturing of local rainwater.

Performance of Two Bioswales on Urban Runoff Management

Author: Xiao et al., (2017)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Water quality

This study evaluated the effectiveness of two bioswales eight years after construction in Davis, California. An identically sized control bioswale consisting of non-disturbed native soil was located adjacent to the treatment bioswale. Surface runoff quantity and quality were measured during three experiments with different pollutant loads.

Water LA

Author: The River Project (2018)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Economic valuation, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Conservation design, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Community resilience, End use energy, Energy, Energy for wastewater, Energy for water extraction, Energy for water treatment, Flooding, GHG emissions, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Recreation, Risk and Resilience, Soil health, Supply augmentation, Total flood volume, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

The 2018 Water LA report by the River Project explores the opportunities for and challenges of building a resilient region by making small, distributed changes to the urban landscape. The report offers a case study from LA where parcel-scale water management projects provide different social, environmental, and economic benefits.

Methods to Assess Co-Benefits of California Climate Investments: Water Supply and Availability

Author: Einstein & Litke, Center for Resource Efficient Communities, UC-Berkeley (2017)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Qualitative description, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Environmental Remediation, Land Management, Water Conservation and Efficiency

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Demand reduction, Flooding, GHG emissions, In stream flows, Land and environment, Peak flood volume, Soil health, Supply augmentation, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply

Methods to Assess Co-benefits of California Climate Investments: Water Supply and Availability is a literature review of the different methodologies and approaches to quantifying the water supply and availability benefits from California Climate Investment projects. California Climate Investments are a broad group of projects being pursued across the state to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as wetland restoration and urban tree planting. While the literature review is targeted at California projects, some of the information provided could be applicable more broadly in the U.S.

The Blueprint for Increased Investment in Green Infrastructure

Author: Earth Economics (2018)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Economic valuation, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Constructed stormwater wetlands, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Floodplain connectivity and rehabilitation, In situ environmental treatment, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Affordability, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Community resilience, Educational opportunity, Energy for wastewater, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, In stream flows, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Recreation, Regulatory compliance, Risk and Resilience, System resilience, Total flood volume, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply

The Blueprint for Increased Investment in Green Infrastructure is a comprehensive resource for water managers and other decision makers seeking to start or expand investment in green infrastructure. The Blueprint presents five major cultural and institutional shifts that are required at the municipal level for the grown in green infrastructure. Data, tools, tips, and other resources are also provided.

On Spatially Distributed Hydrologic Ecosystem Services: Bridging the Quantitative Information Gap Using Remote Sensing and Hydrological Models

Author: Simons et al., (2017)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Environmental Remediation, Groundwater Management, Land Management, Surface Water Storage, Wastewater Treatment, Water Reuse, Water Transfer

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Affordability, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Community resilience, Drinking water quality, Educational opportunity, Energy, Energy for wastewater, Energy production, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, In stream flows, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Recreation, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, System resilience, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply

The white paper, On Spatially Distributed Hydrologic Ecosystem Services, provides an explanation of and use case examples for a hydrologic ecosystem services model. This is a useful resource for quantification of water-related ecosystem services.The model is spatially and temporally designed for basin-scale analyses.

Top 22 Benefits of Trees

Author: TreePeople (2019)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Environmental Remediation, Land Management, Reforestation and forest conservation

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Community resilience, Demand reduction, Educational opportunity, End use energy, Energy, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Recreation, Resource recovery, Soil health, System resilience, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply

This website, Top 22 Benefits of Trees, provides an overview of the top benefits provided by trees, which include, but are not limited to, saving water, preventing water pollution, and many other benefits.

Sustainable Landscapes in the Santa Ana River Watershed

Author: Pacific Institute (2019)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Conservation design, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, Flooding, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Supply augmentation, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply

The Sustainable Landscapes in the Santa Ana River Watershed map is an interactive tool that allows users to explore potential benefits of sustainable landscaping practices across the Santa Ana River Watershed.

Opportunities for natural infrastructure to improve urban water security in Latin America

Author: Tellman et al., (2018)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural land management, Forest thinning, Land Management, Recharge area protection, Reforestation and forest conservation, Riparian buffers, Wetland protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Drinking water quality, Flooding, Peak flood volume, Total flood volume, Water quality

Opportunities for natural infrastructure to improve urban water security in Latin America offers a continent-scale analysis of ecosystem services provided by watershed conservation and other land management activities. The authors present a method for assessing the potential for watershed conservation activities to improve surface drinking water quality and mitigate flood risks.

Valuing investments in sustainable land management in the Upper Tana River basin, Kenya

Author: Vogl et al., (2017)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Paywall

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural land management, Land Management, Reforestation and forest conservation, Riparian buffers

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Agricultural benefits, Ambient water quality, Drinking water quality, Energy, Energy for water treatment, Energy production, Flooding, In stream flows, Land and environment, Risk and Resilience, Soil quality, Supply augmentation, Total peak volume, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Valuing investments in sustainable land management in the Upper Tana basin, Kenya provides a case study of valuing ecosystem services using the InVEST model (of the Natural Capital Project) to assess the multiple benefits of land management practices in a large, diverse watershed. This study provides detailed analysis of targeted interventions that take into account stakeholder preferences, local environmental and socio-economic conditions. The outputs of the model link biophysical outputs to monetary metrics, including reduced water treatment costs, increased hydropower production, and crop yield benefits.

Informing watershed planning and policy in the Truckee River basin through stakeholder engagement, scenario development, and impact evaluation

Author: Podolak et al., (2017)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Forest thinning, Land Management, Riparian buffers, Stream protection and restoration, Wetland protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, In stream flows, Land and environment, Regulatory compliance, Risk and Resilience, Water quality

In Informing watershed planning… Podolak et al. evaluate the water quality and water quantity impacts of stream andl and restoration activities in the Truckee River watershed, in the context of regulatory compliance goals. Using the InVEST model to compare stakeholder-determined scenarios of different restoration activities, locations, and investment levels, the results demonstrate how these differences impact water quality outcomes.

Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) Water Pollution Search

Author: U.S. EPA (N/A)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Groundwater Management, Land Management, Wastewater Treatment

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Drinking water quality, Reputation, Risk and Resilience, Water quality

Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) Water Pollution Search is an online tool that allows users to search discharge monitoring reports (DMR) and the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI). The tool allows the user to search by reporting year (data available for 2007-2018), discharge area (specific location or watershed), pollutant (i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus, metals, etc.), and the discharging industry or facility (i.e., publicly owned treatment works, industrial point sources). The goal of the tool is to increase awareness and transparency in order to encourage compliance with pollution regulations.

Stream Reach Assessment Tool

Author: The Academy of Natural Sciences, Drexel University (N/A)
Geography: Northeastern U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Land Management

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Water quality

Stream Reach Assessment Tool is an online tool used to assess surface water quality within the Delaware River watershed. Through the integration of a wide range of datasets, an interactive water quality map was developed that depicts interactions between the rivers and streams within the Delaware River watershed. The tool provides information on 1) mean annual pollutant load (i.e., total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total suspended sediment, 2) mean annual in-stream concentration for each of the pollutants considered, 3) location and impact of point sources, and 4) general evaluations of the landscape features. The goal of the tool is to provide information on the effectiveness of land management practices.

Water-quality trends in the nation’s rivers and streams, 1972-2012 Data preparation, statistical methods, and trend results

Author: Oelsner et al., U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) (2017)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Land Management

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Water quality

Water-quality trends in the nation’s rivers and streams, 1972-2012 Data preparation, statistical methods, and trend results analyzes surface water quality trends in the United States. The report includes a discussion of 1) the compilation and processing of water quality data, 2) statistical methods used to analyze the data, 3) modeling considerations, 4) sensitivity analysis, and 5) quantitative results for each site analyzed. The study includes water quality metrics for water quality concentrations and loads (i.e., salinity, sediment, nutrient, major ion, carbon), aquatic habitats (i.e., algae, invertebrates, fish), and pesticide concentrations and loads.

Methods for Evaluating Temporal Groundwater Quality Data and Results of Decadal-Scale Changes in Chloride, Dissolved Solids, and Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwater in the United States, 19882010

Author: Lindsey & Rupert, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) (2012)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Groundwater Management

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Drinking water quality, Water quality

Methods for Evaluating Temporal Groundwater Quality Data and Results of Decadal-Scale Changes in Chloride, Dissolved Solids, and Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwater in the United States, 19882010 analyzes groundwater quality trends in the United States between 1988 and 2010. Samples were extracted in two sampling events (the first event between 1988 and 2000 and the second event between 2001 and 2010) from 1,235 wells residing in 56 well networks in and measurements taken for dissolved solids, chloride, and nitrate. The comparison of the two sampling events revealed significant increases in dissolved solids, chloride, and nitrate concentrations from the 1988-2000 period to the 2001-2010 period.

Achieving Resilience through Water Recycling in Peri-Urban Agriculture

Author: Attwater & Derry, (2017)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural nonpotable reuse, Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Centralized wastewater treatment, Constructed stormwater wetlands, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Flood Control, On site nonpotable reuse, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage, Wastewater Treatment, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Agriculture, Ambient water quality, Community resilience, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Recreation, Resource recovery, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, System resilience, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Achieving Resilience through Water Recycling in Peri-Urban Agriculture examines water recycling for agricultural use in the peri-urban regions of Western Sydney, Australia. The study provides a qualitative assessment of the benefits associated with agricultural water reuse of treated wastewater and drinking water in the context of the communities larger water system. The benefits identified include enhanced landscape ecology, environmental risk management, water supply reliability, agricultural products and services, reduced wastewater discharges to receiving waters, provision of ecosystem services, community livelihood, social values, and overall enhanced resilience.

Relevance and Benefits of Urban Water Reuse in Tourist Areas

Author: Lazarova, Sturny, & Sang, (2012)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Desalination, On site nonpotable reuse, Seawater desalination, Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Affordability, Ambient water quality, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Recreation, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Relevance and Benefits of Urban Water Reuse in Tourist Areas presents a case study on factors that influenced the implementation of water reuse on the island of Bora Bora, French Polynesia. The study addresses the regulatory and technical challenges to implementation of water reuse systems, as well as provides methods for overcoming these challenges through the Bora Bora case study. The report emphasizes the need for reliability in treatment operations, feasible prices and operation costs, and effective utilization of the co-benefits of water reuse projects.

Green Infrastructure & Health Guide

Author: Oregon Health and Outdoors Initiative, Willamette Partnership, Oregon Public Health Institute (OPHI), The Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange (2018)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Conservation design, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Community resilience, Educational opportunity, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Recreation, Regulatory compliance, Reputation, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, System resilience, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply

Green Infrastructure & Health Guide provides the tools, resources, and evidence for the connections between green infrastructure (GI) and human health. The chapters include Health Challenges and GI Solutions, GI and Health: What is the connection?, Nature Experiences and Health: Current evidence, Shared Language, Identifying Community Health Needs, Make the Case: Business and more, Community Engagement: Why and how, GI Siting and Design: Considerations for health, Evaluating Health Benefits of GI, and Needs and Next Steps. The appendices include Detailed Community Engagement Guidelines, Sample Tree Planting Health Survey, Sample Logic Model Linking Tree Planting and Health, and Sample City Health and Outdoors Opportunities Assessments.

National Management Measures to Protect and Restore Wetlands and Riparian Areas for the Abatement of Nonpoint Source Pollution

Author: U.S. EPA (2005)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Floodplain connectivity and rehabilitation, Land Management, Riparian buffers, Stream protection and restoration, Wetland protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, In stream flows, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Supply augmentation, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply

National Management Measures to Protect and Restore Wetlands and Riparian Areas for the Abatement of Nonpoint Source Pollution is a guidance document that is targeted at state level employees seeking management options for non-point source (NPS) pollution. The report provides guidance on reducing NPS pollution through wetland and riparian area restoration and protection and vegetated treatment systems. The report also includes further resources for NPS pollution management practices as well as relevant case studies organized by territory, state, and tribe.

Preliminary Data Summary of Urban Storm Water Best Management Practices

Author: U.S. EPA (1999)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Conservation design, Constructed stormwater wetlands, Detention basins, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Flood Control, Infiltration basins, Infiltration or filtration, Retention basins, Runoff conveyance

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Ambient water quality, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply

Preliminary Data Summary of Urban Storm Water Best Management Practices synthesizes existing information on costs and environmental benefits of stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). The major goals of stormwater BMPs are flow control, temperature and pH control, and pollutant removal, including solids, oxygen-demanding substances, nitrogen and phosphorus, pathogens, petroleum hydrocarbons, metals, and synthetic organics. The environmental benefits cited include hydrological and habitat benefits, human health benefits (direct contact and seafood), and aesthetic benefits (property value/public perception, dual use systems using less space). The report provides a recommendation for stormwater BMPs and their associated costs and benefits.

Dams and Development A New Framework for Decision-Making

Author: World Commission on Dams (2000)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Surface Water Storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Educational opportunity, End use energy, Energy, Energy for wastewater, Flooding, Health and safety, People and Community, Recreation, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, Urban heat island, Water Supply

Dams and Development A New Framework for Decision-Making provides a comprehensive, global evaluation of the impacts of dams on people, the environment, and the economy. The report illustrates that while dams mainly provide benefits such as increased water supply, flood control, and energy generation, they also provide many secondary and tertiary benefits such as food security, employment, skills development, rural electrification, and expansion of civil infrastructure including roads and schools. The report also assesses alternatives to dams for water resource and energy projects. From this evaluation, several main conclusions and recommendations were developed to give to the World Bank, governments, construction, and financing agencies around the world.

Sustainable Rivers Project

Author: The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2011)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Delivery system efficiency, Surface Water Storage, Water Conservation and Efficiency

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Community resilience, Energy, Energy production, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, In stream flows, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Recreation, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply

The Sustainable Rivers Project aims to enhance river habitats through modification of dam operations. The report includes eight case studies on sustainable river projects conducted throughout the United States. The benefits of these river preservation strategies include improved water quality, flood protection, enhanced fish habitats, increased tourism and recreation, and improved community livability and aesthetics. The Sustainable Rivers Projects also works to encourage community engagement, particularly by those living on or near the rivers, by providing outreach, workshops, and meetings.

Green Remediation: Incorporating Sustainable Environmental Practices into Remediation of Contaminated Sites

Author: U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (2008)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Environmental Remediation, In situ environmental treatment, Physical contaminant removal

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Air quality, Ambient water quality, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Risk and Resilience, Soil health, Water quality, Water supply reliability

Green Remediation: Incorporating Sustainable Environmental Practices into Remediation of Contaminated Sites contains fourteen case studies conducted throughout the United States that incorporated sustainable environmental practices into remediation of contaminated sites. The report names this strategy ‘green remediation’ and defines it as, “the practice of considering all environmental effects of remedy implementation and incorporating options to maximize net environmental benefit of cleanup actions”. The case studies provide examples of how green remediation strategies can increase the net benefit of cleanup, provide project cost savings, and expand the universe of long-term property use or reuse options without compromising cleanup goals.

Water Reuse Project in Virginia Providing Multiple Benefits

Author: U.S. EPA (2015)
Geography: Southern U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, End use energy, Energy, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Water quality, Water Supply

Water Reuse Project in Virginia Providing Multiple Benefits provides an example of an effective water reuse project implemented in the Chesapeake Bay. Historically, treated wastewater in the region was discharged into Chesapeake Bay, the water reuse project redirected this water for beneficial uses such as cooling a waste-to-energy plant and irrigating a ball field and a golf course. The benefits produced by this innovative water reuse project include potable water conservation, reductions in phosphorus and nitrogen pollution, and discounts on water bills.

Public Private Partnerships and Finance of Large-Scale Green Infrastructure in the Great Lakes Basin

Author: Sinha et al., Environmental Consulting and Technology, Inc; Corvias; Encourage Capital (2017)
Geography: Midwestern U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Floodplain connectivity and rehabilitation, Infiltration or filtration, Land Management, Low impact landscaping, Reforestation and forest conservation, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage, Wetland protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Energy, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, People and Community, Supply augmentation, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply

Public Private Partnerships and Finance of Large-Scale Green Infrastructure in the Great Lakes Basin is a report presenting the outcome of an initiative to implement “large-scale” green infrastructure projects using private financing and/or private delivery in the Great Lakes Basin. “Large-scale” is defined as a green infrastructure project that requires an investment of at least $50 million in a particular region. The report identifies main economic and regulatory drivers for green infrastructure, as well as presents a decision tree as a tool to help communities decide if private financing is appropriate for their needs.

Rainwater as a Resource: A Report on Three Sites Demonstrating Sustainable Stormwater Management

Author: TreePeople (2007)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Drywells, Flood Control, Groundwater Management, Groundwater recharge, Infiltration basins, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Educational opportunity, Energy, Energy for wastewater, Flooding, Health and safety, Land and environment, People and Community, Recreation, Secondary energy demand, Supply augmentation, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply

Rainwater as a Resource: A Report on Three Sites Demonstrating Sustainable Stormwater Management (2007) presents three case studies for stormwater management: (1) single-family, parcel sized greening in South Los Angeles, CA, (2) campus greening at Hillery T. Broadous Elementary School in Pacoima, CA, and (3) campus greening at Open Charter Magnet Elementary School in Westchester, CA. The report includes costs and quantified benefits for tree benefits (tree canopy, carbon storage, carbon sequestration, energy savings), stormwater benefits (runoff reduction, avoided storage), and air pollution benefits (ozone, SO2, NO2, PM10, and CO removal). The report also includes a discussion of additional non-quantified benefits including student health and safety, green waste reuse, and green recreation space.

Green Infrastructure and Water Supply: A Case Study of the City of Los Angeles

Author: TreePeople, Council for Watershed Health, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (2015)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Flood Control, Groundwater Management, Groundwater recharge, Infiltration or filtration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply

Green Infrastructure and Water Supply: A Case Study of the City of Los Angeles presents a two-page report on a modeling effort that identified areas in Los Angeles with potential for groundwater recharge, particularly using stormwater. The results showed potential for recharge to go from the current average of 0.274 AF/acre to an average of 0.97 AF/acre, using low impact development (LID) practices.

Green Infrastructure Guide for Water Management

Author: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UNEP-DHI Partnership, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), The Nature Conservancy, World Resources Institute (2014)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Economic valuation

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Constructed stormwater wetlands, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Flood Control, Floodplain connectivity and rehabilitation, Infiltration or filtration, Land Management, Living shorelines, Low impact landscaping, Reforestation and forest conservation, Riparian buffers, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage, Wetland protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Extreme events, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Local economy, Recreation, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply

Green Infrastructure: Guide for Water Management examines case studies of green infrastructure projects throughout the United States. The report argues that a lack of awareness of the solutions and additional cost benefits that green infrastructure projects can provide is the major barrier to implementation of green infrastructure solutions. The case studies include green infrastructure projects such as green roofs, permeable pavement, levee setbacks, wetland conservation and construction, reforestation and afforestation, and flood bypasses and coastal protection. The case studies cite benefits from the ecosystem service categories (i.e., provisioning services, regulating services, cultural services, habitat or supporting services), providing a qualitative discussion of primary benefits and co-benefits for each case study.

Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices

Author: U.S. EPA (2007)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Conservation design, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Agriculture, Ambient water quality, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Regulatory compliance, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply

Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices analyzes 17 case studies of low impact development (LID) projects throughout the United States. The low impact development projects referenced include conservation designs, infiltration practices, runoff storage, runoff conveyance, filtration, and low impact landscaping. The benefits considered within the analysis include environmental benefits (i.e., pollution abatement, protection of downstream water resources, groundwater recharge, water quality improvements, reduced incidence of combined sewer overflows (CSO), habitat improvement), land value and quality of life benefits (i.e., reduced risk of downstream flooding and property damage, increased real estate values, lot yield, improved aesthetics, enhanced public space), and compliance benefits (i.e., regulatory compliance). The analysis also includes a cost comparison of low impact development projects to traditional grey infrastructure projects. The report concludes that low impact development projects significantly reduce costs and improve environmental performance.

Energy Down the Drain: The Hidden Costs of California’s Water Supply

Author: Cohen, Nelson, & Wolff, NRDC, Pacific Institute (2004)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural efficiency, Delivery system efficiency, On site nonpotable reuse, Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Urban indoor efficiency, Urban outdoor efficiency, Water Conservation and Efficiency, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Air quality, Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, Energy, Energy production, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Risk and Resilience, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Energy Down the Drain: The Hidden Costs of California’s Water Supply analyzes the connections between power and water resources in California. The report presents several key findings: 1) water conservation lowers energy use and energy bills, 2) water recycling is a highly energy efficient water source, 3) retiring agricultural land may increase energy use if the water is transferred to other agricultural or urban uses, 4) Retiring agricultural land can save energy if the water is dedicated to the environment, and 5) diverting water above dams costs an enormous amount of power and money. Based on these findings it is recommended that decision makers better integrate energy into water policy decision-making, as well as give water conservation higher priority.

Just the FACTS: Floods in California

Author: Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) (2017)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Embankment and horizontal levees, Flood Control, Floodplain connectivity and rehabilitation, Groundwater Management, Groundwater recharge, Land Management, Stream protection and restoration, Surface Water Storage, Wetland protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply

Just the FACTS: Floods in California highlights key state-wide flooding concerns and solutions for California. The solutions presented include taking new approaches to climate change when assessing flood risk, requiring flood insurance and/or restrictions on development in floodplains, and better integrating flood management projects into overall water management. The final solution points out that flood management can have multiple benefits, including restoration of wetlands and rivers, aquifer recharge, and surface water quality improvements.

Global Review of Physical and Biological Effectiveness of Stream Habitat Rehabilitation

Author: Roni, Hanson, & Beechie, (2008)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Paywall

Water Management Strategies: Dam removals, Floodplain connectivity and rehabilitation, Land Management, Riparian buffers, Sediment addition, Stream protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Water quality

Global Review of Physical and Biological Effectiveness of Stream Habitat Rehabilitation is a literature review that assesses 345 studies of inland freshwater habitat restoration projects throughout the world. The case studies include projects such as road improvements, riparian restoration, floodplain connectivity restoration, instream habitat improvement, and nutrient addition, as well as many more. For each case study, an analysis was conducted on the techniques used, project outcomes, and overall effectiveness in improving habitat and water quality, and increasing fish production. The report concludes that reconnection of isolated habitats, instream habitat improvement, and floodplain restoration have been proven to be effective in improving habitats and increasing fish production.

Policy settings, regulatory frameworks and recycled water schemes

Author: Institute for Sustainable Futures (2013)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural nonpotable reuse, On site nonpotable reuse, Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Affordability, Ambient water quality, Health and safety, People and Community, Regulatory compliance, Risk and Resilience, Water quality, Water supply reliability

Policy settings, regulatory frameworks and recycled water schemes analyzes eight water recycling case studies conducted internationally to illustrate how the associated project investment decisions are influenced by regulations and legal frameworks. The main focus areas are environmental protection of receiving waters, water security, developer charges, and recycled water scheme regulation to protect public health. Within each of these areas, various co-benefits are discussed.

Envision V3 User Manual

Author: Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (2017)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Decision support tool

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure; Wastewater Treatment, Flood Control

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Agriculture, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Community resilience, Demand reduction, Drinking water quality, End use energy, Energy, Energy for wastewater, Energy for water extraction, Energy for water treatment, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Recreation, Soil health, System resilience, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

The Envision V3 (Draft Credits for Public Review and Comment) user manual outlines additions to the Envision framework, a sustainability framework that aims to analyze infrastructure projects and promote collaboration on multi-benefit projects in order to improve system synergy. The framework defines co-benefits as services not directly related to the project’s primary function, and identifies five benefit categories: 1) quality of life, 2) leadership, 3) resource allocation, 4) natural world, and 5) climate and risk. Envision V3, launched in late 2017, modifies the final category, instead calling it ‘risk and resilience’.

Envision Framework

Author: Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (N/A)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Decision support tool

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure; Wastewater Treatment, Flood Control

Envision is a framework that provides the guidance needed to initiate this systemic change in the planning, design and delivery of sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Envision is a decision-making guide, not a set of prescriptive measures. Envision provides industry-wide sustainability metrics for all types and sizes of infrastructure to help users assess and measure the extent to which their project contributes to conditions of sustainability across the full range of social, economic, and environmental indicators.

Water Reuse: An International Survey of Current Practice, Issues and Needs

Author: Jiménez & Asano, (2008)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Paywall

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural nonpotable reuse, Agricultural reuse, Commercial or industrial reuse, Indirect potable reuse, On site nonpotable reuse, Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, Drinking water quality, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply

Water Reuse: An International Survey of Current Practice, Issues and Needs presents an in-depth review of water reuse practices from across the globe. The main objective is to show how wastewater reuse is conceived and practiced differently around the world. The sections in the book focus on different aspects of water reuse, including but not limited to, water reuse by end-use type, climate and social/economic similarities, emerging controversial topics in the field, and contrasting case studies. The book is written for all stakeholders involved in wastewater reuse applications.

Assessing the Return on Investment in Watershed Conservation: Best Practices Approach and Case Study for the Rio Camboriú PWS Program, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Author: Kroeger et al., The Nature Conservancy (2017)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Economic valuation

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Land Management, Reforestation and forest conservation, Riparian buffers

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Drinking water quality, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Assessing the Return on Investment in Watershed Conservation applies a return on investment (ROI) framework to a watershed conservation project in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The framework involves quantification of the relationships between 1) intervention, 2) ecosystem structure, 3) ecosystem function, 4) ecosystem service, 5) benefit, and 6) values and program cost. The report illustrates that restoring source watersheds is a cost-effective way to reduce drinking water treatment costs, improve water supply resilience, and protect biodiversity. The ecosystem services quantified in the study include sediment concentrations at water treatment intake, which when reduced can lead to avoided peak season water loss, avoided use of chemicals, avoided dry sludge landfilling, and avoided pumping. The report also includes costs for landowner engagement and interventions, as well as land rentals.

Stormwater Capture Master Plan

Author: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) (2015)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Conservation design, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Groundwater Management, Groundwater recharge, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, On site nonpotable reuse, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage, Spreading basins, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Demand reduction, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Recreation, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, System resilience, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply

Los Angeles’ Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Stormwater Capture Master Plan develops a strategy for long-term stormwater capture potential, examination of projects and programs, estimation of the value of projects with ancillary benefits, and stormwater program and policy implementations in California. Stormwater programs include on-site infiltration, green streets, subregional infiltration, on-site direct use, subregional direct use, and impervious replacement. The multiple benefits cited from increased stormwater capture include groundwater recharge, water conservation, open space alternatives, and improved downstream water quality and peak flow.

Bay Area Project Tackles Sea-Level Rise and Water Quality

Author: Meadows, NewsDeeply Water Deeply (2018)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Embankment and horizontal levees, Flood Control

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Flooding, Peak flood volume, Water quality

Bay Area Project Tackles Sea-Level Rise and Water Quality reports on a creative adaptive management strategy that has been applied to a section of the San Francisco Bay to help with sea-level rise and improve water quality. The strategy is called a “horizontal levee,” which uses vegetation on a slope to break wave impact. In the article they cite benefits for salt marshes that are at risk for disappearance due to sea-level rise, and benefits to water quality as a result of naturally occurring soil microbes uptaking nutrients in the wastewater delivered to the levee. Additionally, water that passes through the levee exhibits reduced pharmaceutical content.

Oro Loma Horizontal Levee Vegetation Report

Author: Save the Bay (2017)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Qualitative description, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Embankment and horizontal levees, Flood Control

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Flooding, Peak flood volume, Water quality

The Oro Loma Horizontal Levee Project is a multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional project combining the expertise of numerous project partners to address multiple functions for the Oro Loma wastewater treatment facility. The project converted a 10-acre field along the San Francisco Bay’s edge into an eight-million gallon holding basin connected to a horizontal levee. Water from the wastewater treatment plant will be further treated by the vegetation in the holding basin and through microbial uptake as it passes through the horizontal levee before entering the Bay. The system also serves to protect the wastewater treatment facility from sea level rise.

Techno-economic assessment and environmental impacts of desalination technologies

Author: Mezher et al., (2011)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Paywall

Water Management Strategies: Brackish desalination, Desalination, Seawater desalination

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Air quality, Ambient water quality, Energy, Energy for wastewater, Land and environment, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply

Techno-economic assessment and environmental impacts of desalination technologies provides a review of desalination technologies, including energy requirements, water production costs, technological growth trends, environmental impacts, and possible technological improvements. The report also provides desalination policies from major desalination users, including Saudi Arabia, United States, Spain, China, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates.

LA Sustainable Water Project: Los Angeles River Watershed

Author: Mika et al., UCLA Grand Challenges (2017)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Environmental Remediation, Flood Control, Groundwater extraction, Groundwater Management, Groundwater recharge, Groundwater remediation, Groundwater storage, Indirect potable reuse, Infiltration basins, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, On site nonpotable reuse, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage, Spreading basins, Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, In stream flows, Land and environment, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply

LA Sustainable Water Project: Los Angeles River Watershed provides an in-depth analysis of the potential future opportunities for water recycling, stormwater capture, groundwater recharge, and water quality improvements along the Los Angeles River. The analysis takes into account current water supply and water quality projects and management practices along the river. The report deduces that more work is needed to better understand optimal levels of stormwater capture and water recycling along the river so as to balance the impact on in-stream flows.

Co-benefits for Water and Biodiversity from the Sustainable Management of High Nature Value Farmland

Author: Moran & Sullivan, Centre for Environmental Research Innovation and Sustainability (2017)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural land management, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Floodplain connectivity and rehabilitation, Land Management, Low impact landscaping

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, In stream flows, Land and environment, Peak flood volume, Total flood volume, Water quality

Co-benefits for Water and Biodiversity from the Sustainable Management of High Nature Value Farmland examines the potential for high nature value farmland in Ireland. The types of high nature value landscapes cited in the report include farmed uplands, calcareous grassland and limestone pavement, machair/coastal grasslands, wet grasslands, islands, river floodplains, and the Wexford slobs. The report discusses water quality and water quantity benefits, as well as potential biodiversity benefits that can result from the maintenance of high nature value landscapes.

Making the Utility Case for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems

Author: National Blue Ribbon Commission for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems (US Water Alliance, Water Research Foundation) (2018)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: On site nonpotable reuse, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Affordability, Ambient water quality, Community resilience, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Regulatory compliance, Risk and Resilience, System resilience, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water supply reliability

Making the Utility Case for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems is a report that 1) defines the scope of onsite non-potable water systems, 2) highlights how utilities are using onsite non-potable water systems to meet One Water goals, 3) presents key considerations for implementing onsite non-potable water systems, and 4) outlines the role of utility leadership in implementing onsite non-potable water systems. The report also includes case studies from throughout the U.S. that illustrate the multiple benefits produced from onsite non-potable water systems, including system resilience, diversification of water supplies, stormwater management and pollution reduction, compliance with policy and regulatory requirements, reducing capital costs, enhancing environmental and community facilities, providing opportunities for public-private partnerships, and technology advancement.

Green Stormwater Infrastructure Economics in the Boise Urban Area

Author: Hjerpe & Adams, (2015)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Economic valuation

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Community resilience, Drinking water quality, Educational opportunity, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, People and Community, Recreation, Regulatory compliance, Resource recovery, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply

Green Stormwater Infrastructure Economics in the Boise Urban Area (2015) examines the economics of green versus grey infrastructure in Boise, Idaho. Infrastructure projects analyzed include bioretention, trees with suspended pavement systems, permeable pavement, bioswales, conventional trees without suspended pavement systems, and conventional paved alleyways. Biophysical services and social benefits are compared to the alternative (i.e., status quo) option to determine the differences in services. The biophysical services identified include waste absorption/pollutant reduction, groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, temperature reduction, and biodiversity/habitat provision. The social benefits identified include clean drinking water, water supply, clean air, aesthetics and recreation, pedestrian and vehicle safety, heat island effect, education and community engagement, and compliance credits.

Green Infrastructure: Lessons from Science and Practice

Author: Driscoll et al., Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Syracuse University, Science Policy Exchange (2015)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Constructed stormwater wetlands, Detention basins, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Retention basins, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Flooding, Peak flood volume, Total flood volume, Water quality

Green Infrastructure: Lessons from Science and Practice provides a literature review of peer-reviewed journal articles that measure and analyze flood control and water quality impacts of green infrastructure from across the United States. In addition, the literature review tabulates enabling factors and barriers to green infrastructure adoption within communities.

The Value of Green Infrastructure: A Guide to Recognizing Its Economic, Environmental and Social Benefits

Author: Center for Neighborhood Technology, American Rivers (2010)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Conservation design, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Community resilience, Demand reduction, Drinking water quality, Educational opportunity, End use energy, Energy, Energy for wastewater, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Recreation, Supply augmentation, Total flood volume, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply

The Value of Green Infrastructure: A Guide to Recognizing Its Economic, Environmental and Social Benefits is an in-depth framework for evaluating the multiple benefits of green infrastructure projects, including green roofs, tree planting, bioretention and infiltration, permeable pavement, and water harvesting. The framework provides methodologies for valuation of water, energy, air quality, and climate change-related benefits, as well as a qualitative discussion on community livability and public education benefits.

Quantifying Watershed Restoration Benefits in Community Water Partnership Projects

Author: LimnoTech, Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF) (2015)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural land management, Delivery system efficiency, Floodplain connectivity and rehabilitation, Land Management, On site nonpotable reuse, Reforestation and forest conservation, Riparian buffers, Stream protection and restoration, Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Water Conservation and Efficiency, Water Reuse, Wetland protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Drinking water quality, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply

Quantifying Watershed Restoration Benefits in Community Water Partnership Projects is a report that aims to quantify water-related benefits of Coca-Cola Company watershed protection, water for productive use, and water access projects. The report identifies nine categories of watershed restoration actions, including agricultural land practice changes, stormwater management, land use/land cover alterations, hydraulic/hydrologic waterbody alterations, recaptured leakage from water systems, wastewater treatment, biologic management, water reuse, and rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge. The benefits quantified within this report include water quantity and water quality (i.e., sediment reduction), and the benefits not quantified include habitat improvement, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.

Guidelines for Preparing Economic Analysis for Water Recycling Projects

Author: De Souza et al., University of California Davis Center for Watershed Sciences (2011)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Economic valuation

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: On site nonpotable reuse, Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, In stream flows, Land and environment, People and Community, Recreation, Risk and Resilience, Soil health, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Guidelines for Preparing Economic Analysis for Water Recycling Projects provides an in-depth methodology for economic analysis of water recycling projects, including all benefits and costs to whomsoever they accrue at the completion of the project. The methodology includes benefits that directly affect the proposing agency, individuals, households, or businesses, such as water supply, water supply reliability, and local control, as well as the indirect benefits, such as environmental changes (i.e., streamflow, reducing groundwater pumping), recreation, nutrient loading, and effect on soil and groundwater.

Characterization of unplanned water reuse in the EU

Author: Drewes et al., Technical University of Munich (2017)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural nonpotable reuse, Agricultural reuse, Indirect potable reuse, On site nonpotable reuse, Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Drinking water quality, In stream flows, Land and environment, Risk and Resilience, Water quality, Water supply reliability

Characterization of unplanned water reuse in the EU presents findings from research conducted to quantify the impacts of unintentional or ‘de facto’ water reuse within Europe. De facto water reuse occurs where the outflow of treated wastewater flows into a surface water or groundwater body that is then used as a water supply source, without the intention of having that supply be a reuse supply. De facto reuse may cause adverse impacts on aquatic life, downstream surface water quality, and groundwater quality.

The Economics of Low-Impact Development: A Literature Review

Author: ECONorthwest (2007)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Economic valuation

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Conservation design, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Air quality, Ambient water quality, End use energy, Energy, Flooding, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Supply augmentation, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply

The Economics of Low-Impact Development: A Literature Review provides a review of economic valuations of low-impact development projects. The multiple benefits of low-impact development cited within the report include reduced flooding, improved water quality, increased groundwater recharge, reduced public expenditures on stormwater infrastructure, reduced energy use, improved air quality, and enhanced aesthetics and property values. The report provides guidance and literature discussion on methodologies for calculating the costs and benefits of low-impact development projects.

Systemic solutions for multi-benefit water and environmental management

Author: Everard & McInnes, (2013)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Paywall

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural flooding, Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Conservation design, Constructed stormwater wetlands, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Flood Control, Infiltration or filtration, Land Management, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Agriculture, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Energy, Energy for wastewater, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Recreation, Total flood volume, Water quality

Systemic solutions for multi-benefit water and environmental management provides an academic, theoretical critique on the evaluation of multi-benefit systems. The report comprises case studies of successful green infrastructure projects, including constructed wetlands, urban ecosystem technologies, agricultural washlands, and integrated constructed wetlands.

Impacts of forest restoration on water yield: A systematic review

Author: Filoso et al., (2017)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Land Management, Reforestation and forest conservation

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Flooding, In stream flows, Land and environment, Peak flood volume, Soil health, Supply augmentation, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply

Impacts of forest restoration on water yield: A systematic review provides an academic review of 666 journals and studies conducted on the impact of forest restoration on water yields. From the works reviewed, forest restoration generally led to decreases in water yields, baseflow, and groundwater temporarily. The report suggests that green water may increase from reforestation, but there is little evidence to suggest that blue water will increase from reforestation.

The Value of Green Infrastructure for Urban Climate Adaptation

Author: Foster, Lowe, & Winkelman, Center for Clean Air Policy (2011)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Economic valuation

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Conservation design, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Ambient water quality, Community resilience, Demand reduction, End use energy, Energy, Extreme events, Flooding, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Risk and Resilience, System resilience, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

The Value of Green Infrastructure for Urban Climate Adaptation provides a methodology for calculating the costs and benefits of green infrastructure, with particular focus on urban climate adaptation. Benefits of green infrastructure include land value, quality of life, public health, hazard mitigation, and regulatory compliance. In the report, economic analyses are provided for “Eco-Roofs,” Green Alleys and Streets, and Urban Forestry with several case study examples provided.

Freshwater Health Index Dongjiang Basin, China: An assessment of freshwater ecosystem health

Author: Freshwater Health Index (2017)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Land Management

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Recreation, Regulatory compliance, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

The Freshwater Health Index is a tool that examines three components of ecosystem health: ecosystem vitality (i.e., water quantity, water quality, basin condition, and biodiversity), ecosystem services (i.e., provisioning, regulation and support, and cultural), and governance & stakeholders (i.e., enabling environment, stakeholder management, vision and adaptive governance, and effectiveness). The report applies the Freshwater Health Index to the Dongjiang Basin in China, providing semi-quantitative scores for each ecosystem health component.

Freshwater Health Index

Author: Freshwater Health Index (N/A)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Decision support tool

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Land Management

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, People and Community, Recreation, Supply augmentation, Water quality, Water Supply

The Freshwater Health Index provides policy-makers and resource managers with a tool to evaluate policies, management options, and tradeoffs, as well as communicate basin health to the public. The Freshwater Health Index defines freshwater health as the ability to deliver water-related ecosystem services, sustainably and equitably, at the drainage basin scale. Within the Freshwater Health Index, the three components of ecosystem health include ecosystem vitality (i.e., water quantity, water quality, basin condition, and biodiversity), ecosystem services (i.e., provisioning, regulation and support, and cultural), and governance & stakeholders (i.e., enabling environment, stakeholder management, vision and adaptive governance, and effectiveness).

Water-use efficiency and productivity: rethinking the basin approach

Author: Gleick, Smith, & Cooley, (2011)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Paywall

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural efficiency, Delivery system efficiency, Urban indoor efficiency, Urban outdoor efficiency, Water Conservation and Efficiency

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, Drinking water quality, End use energy, Energy, Risk and Resilience, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Water-use efficiency and productivity: rethinking the basin approach is a response to a paper in Water International. The paper highlights major components of inefficient water use that were ignored, examines water productivity rather than just water efficiency, and discusses co-benefits. The co-benefits of water-use efficiency examined are improved water quality, increased production, improved water supply reliability, decreased energy demands, and reduced or delayed infrastructure investments.

Green infrastructure and its catchment-scale effects: An emerging science

Author: Golden & Hoghooghi, (2017)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, Flooding, Peak flood volume, Supply augmentation, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply

Green infrastructure and its catchment-scale effects: An emerging science provides an overview of past research conducted on the impacts of green infrastructure (GI) and low-impact development (LID) on water quality (i.e. runoff and discharge) and water quantity at localized scales. The report also presents considerations for scaling GI and LID research to the catchment-scale, advances and findings in scaling efforts, and the use of models as tools for scaling.

Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel Bi-Annual Report (2011-2013)

Author: Gunasekara, California Department of Food and Agriculture (2013)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural land management, Land Management

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Agriculture, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Energy production, Habitat and biodiversity, In stream flows, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Recreation, Resource recovery, Soil health, Water quality

Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel – Bi-Annual Report (2011-2013) is a resource developed by the Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel and organized by Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The advisory panel aims to review the impact of agriculture on the environment and encourage agricultural practices with environmental benefits by providing incentives and modifying environmental regulations. The environmental benefit categories established by the advisory panel include: wildlife habitats; nutrient cycling; food, fiber, and fuel production; recreation and cultural; soil structure, formation, and fertility; biodiversity conservation; water cycling; atmospheric gas/climate regulation; pest control; pollination services; and water quality.

Water Storage Investment Program Technical Reference

Author: California Water Commission (2016)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Economic valuation

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Drywells, Flood Control, Groundwater extraction, Groundwater Management, Groundwater recharge, Groundwater storage, Infiltration basins, Spreading basins, Surface Water Storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, Drinking water quality, Energy production, Extreme events, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, In stream flows, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Recreation, Regulatory compliance, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, System resilience, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Water Storage Investment Program Technical Reference details the methodology for quantifying the co-benefits or adverse impacts of water storage projects under California’s Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP). The report outlines methods for quantification of various co-benefits and adverse impacts, providing guidance on defining future site conditions, calculating physical changes, monetizing project benefits and costs, comparing benefits and costs, properly allocating costs to beneficiaries, determining cost-effectiveness and public-benefit ratio, and evaluating sources of uncertainty. Projects that quantify public benefits following these methodologies are eligible for California state bond funding to pay for the public benefits.

Strategy to Optimize Resource Management of Storm Water (Storm Water Strategy, STORMS)

Author: California State Water Resources Control Board (2018)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: On site nonpotable reuse, Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Flooding, Peak flood volume, Regulatory compliance, Risk and Resilience, Total flood volume, Water quality

Strategy to Optimize Resource Management of Storm Water is a California State Water Board statewide strategy for stormwater management. The STORMS program mission is “to lead the evolution of stormwater management in California by advancing the perspective that stormwater is a valuable resource, supporting policies for collaborative watershed-level stormwater management and pollution prevention, removing obstacles to funding, developing resources, and integrating regulatory and non-regulatory interests.” The strategy includes various stormwater management initiatives including improving policy and regulation around stormwater capture and use, establishing a monetary value of stormwater, and encouraging stakeholder support of stormwater management best practices.

Living Streets Economic Feasibility Project: Final Report

Author: Abdullah & Blyth, Heal the Bay, Climate Resolve, GreenLA Coalition (2016)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Case study, Economic valuation

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Conservation design, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Affordability, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Demand reduction, Energy, Energy for wastewater, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Recreation, Regulatory compliance, Reputation, Risk and Resilience, Soil health, Supply augmentation, System resilience, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Living Streets Economic Feasibility Report presents an alternate, new paradigm to guide the future of street and sidewalk infrastructure design and creation for Los Angeles. The term they use for this new paradigm is “Living Streets”, and it incorporates green infrastructure and stormwater capture within street design to improve air quality, water quantity and quality, flooding, human health, and aesthetics within urban regions. The report presents the costs and benefits of Living Streets, and compares them to the costs and benefits of continuing with business as usual, as well as against what they call “Green Streets,” “Cool Streets,” and “Complete Streets.”

Beyond the Source: The environmental, economic and community benefits of source water protection

Author: Abell et al., The Nature Conservancy (2017)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Quantitative benefits

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Agricultural land management, Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Constructed stormwater wetlands, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Flood Control, Land Management, Reforestation and forest conservation, Riparian buffers, Wetland protection

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Agriculture, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Community resilience, Extreme events, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, People and Community, Resource recovery, Risk and Resilience, Soil health, System resilience, Water quality, Water supply reliability

Beyond the Source is an in-depth, global study conducted by the Nature Conservancy on source water protection projects. In the report these projects are described as “nature-based solutions” that can improve water quality and quantity. Projects include targeted land protection, revegetation, riparian restoration, agricultural best management practices, ranching best management practices, fire risk management, wetland restoration and creation, and road management. The report provides a qualitative framework as well as quantitative guidance for calculating the multiple benefits.

Putting Green to Work: Economic Recovery Investments for Clean and Reliable Water

Author: American Rivers (2010)
Geography: U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Centralized wastewater treatment, Delivery system efficiency, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Flood Control, Infiltration or filtration, Land Management, On site nonpotable reuse, Retention basin, Riparian buffers, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage, Storm drains and pipes, Stream protection and restoration, Urban indoor efficiency, Urban outdoor efficiency, Wastewater Treatment, Water Conservation and Efficiency, Water Reuse, Water Transfer, Wetland protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, Drinking water quality, Energy, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, In stream flows, Land and environment, People and Community, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, System resilience, Urban heat island, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Putting Green to Work: Economic Recovery Investments for Clean and Reliable Water categorizes “green” and “bright green” projects that provide multiple environmental and economic benefits, including improved water quality and quantity, reduced runoff and flooding, groundwater recharge, improved habitats, reduced energy use, and overall water supply reliability. The report focuses primarily on green infrastructure and demand management projects, as well as leveraging natural capital for water management, including examples from specific states and cities with a focus on funding projects. The report provides a qualitative discussion of the multiple benefits.

Using economic valuation techniques to inform water resources management: A survey and critical appraisal of available techniques and an application

Author: Birol, Karousakis, & Koundouri, (2006)
Geography: Global
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Economic valuation

Availability: Paywall

Water Management Strategies: Land Management

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Ambient water quality, Habitat and biodiversity, In stream flows, Land and environment, Local economy, People and Community, Recreation, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, System resilience, Water quality, Water Supply

Using economic valuation techniques to inform water resources management presents a non-technical introduction to the economic valuation techniques of changes in the quantity and quality of environmental resources, with a specific focus on water. This report includes dozens of relevant articles that provide cost and benefit estimates of various aspects of water resources (e.g. environmental services). It also provides a case study applying the economic valuation techniques to the Cheimaditida wetland in Greece.

Hydrologic Shortcomings of Conventional Urban Stormwater Management and Opportunities for Reform

Author: Burns et al., (2012)
Geography: Outside U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Paywall

Water Management Strategies: Land Management, Stream protection and restoration

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Flooding, Peak flood volume, Total flood volume, Water quality

Hydrologic shortcomings of conventional urban stormwater management and opportunities for reform contrasts two conventional approaches to stormwater, one of which is focused on drainage efficiency (i.e., flood control) and one of which is focused on pollutant-load reduction. The report suggests that stormwater management should address both pollutants and peak flow, and examine more localized stormwater management options that maintain the pre-urban flow rate of rivers.

Central Valley Flood Protection Plan 2017 Update

Author: California Department of Water Resources (2017)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool, Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Land Management

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Aesthetics, Agriculture, Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Community resilience, Extreme events, Flood Control, Habitat and biodiversity, Health and safety, Land and environment, People and Community, Resource recovery, Risk and Resilience, Soil health, System resilience, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan asserts that institutional frameworks hinder implementation of multi-benefit actions and outlines a framework to facilitate design and construction of multi-benefit projects. The report organizes Design Within Reach (DWR) Flood Management programs with the flood management policy issues they address, as well as discusses multi-benefit improvements for ecosystem vitality for specific projects. It includes a qualitative discussion of multi-benefit projects, defining them as projects designed to reduce flood risk and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, as well as create additional public benefits such as sustaining agricultural production, improving water quality and water supply reliability, increasing groundwater recharge, supporting commercial fisheries, and providing public recreation and educational opportunities, or any combination thereof.

Review of IRWM Planning and Implementation in California

Author: California Department of Water Resources (2015)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Desalination, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Environmental Remediation, Groundwater Management, Land Management, Wastewater Treatment, Water Conservation and Efficiency, Water Reuse, Water Transfer

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Community resilience, Drinking water quality, Educational opportunity, Flood Control, Habitat and biodiversity, Land and environment, People and Community, Recreation, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, System resilience, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Review of IRWM Planning and Implementation in California presents an assessment of Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) planning and implementation practices that supports California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) Strategic Plan. DWR aims to work with regions in California to develop Integrated Regional Water Management Plans (IRWMPs) and prioritize proposals for funding that include multiple benefit projects.

Proposition 1 Stormwater Grant Program Guidelines

Author: California State Resources Water Quality Control Board (2015)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Decision support tool

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Conservation design, Constructed stormwater wetlands, Detention basin, Distributed Stormwater Infrastructure, Embankment and horizontal levees, Flood Control, Infiltration basin, Infiltration or filtration, Low impact landscaping, Retention basin, Runoff conveyance, Runoff storage, Storm drains and pipes

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Air quality, Ambient water quality, Carbon sequestration, Demand reduction, Educational opportunity, Flooding, Habitat and biodiversity, In stream flows, Land and environment, Local economy, Peak flood volume, People and Community, Recreation, Risk and Resilience, Supply augmentation, Total flood volume, Water quality, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Proposition 1 Stormwater Grant Program Guidelines, related to the Stormwater Grant Program (SWGP), establishes the process and criteria by which Proposition 1 funds are awarded in the state of California. The guidelines seek to encourage public agencies to develop multi-benefit stormwater management plans, as specified in the Stormwater Resource Planning Act (SB 985), that reframe stormwater projects, including dry-weather runoff as a water supply resource.

Adapting to Change: Utility Systems and Declining Flows

Author: California Urban Water Agencies (2017)
Geography: Western U.S.
Level of Detail: Qualitative description

Availability: Publicly Available

Water Management Strategies: Centralized Stormwater Infrastructure, Centralized wastewater treatment, Direct potable reuse, Flood Control, Groundwater Management, Groundwater recharge, On site nonpotable reuse, Storm drains and pipes, Urban and industrial nonpotable reuse, Urban indoor efficiency, Urban outdoor efficiency, Wastewater Treatment, Water Conservation and Efficiency, Water Reuse

Specific Benefits or Trade-offs: Ambient water quality, Demand reduction, Drinking water quality, Energy, Energy for wastewater, Extreme events, In stream flows, Land and environment, Regulatory compliance, Resource recovery, Risk and Resilience, System resilience, Water Supply, Water supply reliability

Adapting to Change: Utility Systems and Declining Flows explores the consequences of reduced indoor flows related to conservation on urban water supply systems in California. The report illustrates that demand management through water use efficiency can have many co-benefits including improved drought resilience, improved in-stream flows, reduced or deferred cost of infrastructure, and reduced energy costs; declining flows, however, can negatively impact water distribution, conveyance, wastewater treatment, and recycled water policy. Specific examples and details are presented within the report, including survey and interview data.

78 Multi-Benefit Resources

From ash pond to Riverside Wetlands: Making the business case for engineered natural technologies

Green Infrastructure Evaluation Framework

Nature-Based Solutions Evidence Tool

The Napa River Basin, California

Economics for the Environment Project Page

Identifying linkages between urban green infrastructure and ecosystem services using an expert opinion methodology

Towards a New Paradigm of Urban Water Infrastructure: Identifying Goals and Strategies to Support Multi-Benefit Municipal Wastewater Treatment

Green Infrastructure Co-Benefits Valuation Tool

The Untapped Potential of California’s Water Supply: Efficiency, Reuse, and Stormwater – Issue Brief

Performance of Two Bioswales on Urban Runoff Management

Water LA

Methods to Assess Co-Benefits of California Climate Investments: Water Supply and Availability

The Blueprint for Increased Investment in Green Infrastructure

On Spatially Distributed Hydrologic Ecosystem Services: Bridging the Quantitative Information Gap Using Remote Sensing and Hydrological Models

Top 22 Benefits of Trees

Sustainable Landscapes in the Santa Ana River Watershed

Opportunities for natural infrastructure to improve urban water security in Latin America

Valuing investments in sustainable land management in the Upper Tana River basin, Kenya

Informing watershed planning and policy in the Truckee River basin through stakeholder engagement, scenario development, and impact evaluation

Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) Water Pollution Search

Stream Reach Assessment Tool

Water-quality trends in the nation’s rivers and streams, 1972-2012 Data preparation, statistical methods, and trend results

Methods for Evaluating Temporal Groundwater Quality Data and Results of Decadal-Scale Changes in Chloride, Dissolved Solids, and Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwater in the United States, 19882010

Achieving Resilience through Water Recycling in Peri-Urban Agriculture

Relevance and Benefits of Urban Water Reuse in Tourist Areas

Green Infrastructure & Health Guide

National Management Measures to Protect and Restore Wetlands and Riparian Areas for the Abatement of Nonpoint Source Pollution

Preliminary Data Summary of Urban Storm Water Best Management Practices

Dams and Development A New Framework for Decision-Making

Sustainable Rivers Project

Green Remediation: Incorporating Sustainable Environmental Practices into Remediation of Contaminated Sites

Water Reuse Project in Virginia Providing Multiple Benefits

Public Private Partnerships and Finance of Large-Scale Green Infrastructure in the Great Lakes Basin

Rainwater as a Resource: A Report on Three Sites Demonstrating Sustainable Stormwater Management

Green Infrastructure and Water Supply: A Case Study of the City of Los Angeles

Green Infrastructure Guide for Water Management

Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices

Energy Down the Drain: The Hidden Costs of California’s Water Supply

Just the FACTS: Floods in California

Global Review of Physical and Biological Effectiveness of Stream Habitat Rehabilitation

Policy settings, regulatory frameworks and recycled water schemes

Envision V3 User Manual

Envision Framework

Water Reuse: An International Survey of Current Practice, Issues and Needs

Assessing the Return on Investment in Watershed Conservation: Best Practices Approach and Case Study for the Rio Camboriú PWS Program, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Stormwater Capture Master Plan

Bay Area Project Tackles Sea-Level Rise and Water Quality

Oro Loma Horizontal Levee Vegetation Report

Techno-economic assessment and environmental impacts of desalination technologies

LA Sustainable Water Project: Los Angeles River Watershed

Co-benefits for Water and Biodiversity from the Sustainable Management of High Nature Value Farmland

Making the Utility Case for Onsite Non-potable Water Systems

Green Stormwater Infrastructure Economics in the Boise Urban Area

Green Infrastructure: Lessons from Science and Practice

The Value of Green Infrastructure: A Guide to Recognizing Its Economic, Environmental and Social Benefits

Quantifying Watershed Restoration Benefits in Community Water Partnership Projects

Guidelines for Preparing Economic Analysis for Water Recycling Projects

Characterization of unplanned water reuse in the EU

The Economics of Low-Impact Development: A Literature Review

Systemic solutions for multi-benefit water and environmental management

Impacts of forest restoration on water yield: A systematic review

The Value of Green Infrastructure for Urban Climate Adaptation

Freshwater Health Index Dongjiang Basin, China: An assessment of freshwater ecosystem health

Freshwater Health Index

Water-use efficiency and productivity: rethinking the basin approach

Green infrastructure and its catchment-scale effects: An emerging science

Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel Bi-Annual Report (2011-2013)

Water Storage Investment Program Technical Reference

Strategy to Optimize Resource Management of Storm Water (Storm Water Strategy, STORMS)

Living Streets Economic Feasibility Project: Final Report

Beyond the Source: The environmental, economic and community benefits of source water protection

Putting Green to Work: Economic Recovery Investments for Clean and Reliable Water

Using economic valuation techniques to inform water resources management: A survey and critical appraisal of available techniques and an application

Hydrologic Shortcomings of Conventional Urban Stormwater Management and Opportunities for Reform

Central Valley Flood Protection Plan 2017 Update

Review of IRWM Planning and Implementation in California

Proposition 1 Stormwater Grant Program Guidelines

Adapting to Change: Utility Systems and Declining Flows

Methods for Evaluating Temporal Groundwater Quality Data and Results of Decadal-Scale Changes in Chloride, Dissolved Solids, and Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwater in the United States, 19882010