Urban Drainage and the Environment: A Study in the Parque do Povo in President Prudente, São Paulo

Abstract

This article treats issues of urban drainage and flooding in the Parque do Povo in Presidente Prudente (São Paulo state). The study is based on qualitative methods involving bibliographic research, surveys, documentary analysis and intensive direct observation. The results show that flooding is caused by the topography, urban land use that reduces permeable surface area and an under-dimensioned water collection network connected to canalizing the Veado river. It is concluded that multidisciplinary land use planning must be accompanied by and integrated with other plans and projects of urban watergovernance. Based on this study we propose that the drainage system of the Parque do Povo should utilize green infrastructure to reduce flooding.