Green Infrastructure Cools Urban Runoff, Safeguarding Ecosystems and Public Health
Green infrastructure systems, like bioswales and permeable pavers, can help cool down urban runoff and prevent negative effects on the environment and people's health. A study in Milwaukee looked at how connecting these systems in a series can reduce water temperatures. The bioswale, which is a type of green infrastructure, proved better at cooling the water than the permeable pavers. When the bioswale was connected after the permeable pavers, it further lowered the water temperature significantly. In fact, the combined system reduced water temperatures by 4.2°C compared to just using the permeable pavers or 2.4°C compared to using only the bioswale. This research shows that using green infrastructure in a sequence can effectively combat rising water temperatures in urban areas.