Citizens’s perception on stormwater management and use of on-site stormwater detention in Belo Horizonte/Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT To mitigate urbanization impacts on the hydrological cycle, Low Impact Development techniques, especially On-site Stormwater Detention - OSD, are applied worldwide. Besides their frequent use, the public knowledge about these techniques and stormwater management is insufficient, particularly in Latin America. Public comprehension about stormwater management and LID techniques lead to more acceptance and engagement. In this sense, the aim of this article is to present the results of interviews about local’s perception on stormwater management in Belo Horizonte/Brazil. The results indicate that males and respondents older than 40 years old have more knowledge about stormwater management, as well as higher socioeconomic interviewees. Although the use of OSD is positively perceived, a greater knowledge on urban stormwater does not lead to a greater willingness to co-participate in the stormwater management. Our results provide an overview of city inhabitants’ perception of municipal stormwater management and have great potential to help managers.