Water in the city. The development of permeable surfaces in urban areas

Dept. of Regional Economy, Cracow University of Economics, 24 Rakowicka St., Cracow, Poland

^* Corresponding author: jopekd@uek.krakow.pl

Abstract

In the coming years, cities will face new challenges from a rapidly changing climate. Many physical infrastructure and building projects will face new or more severe risks from extreme flooding, precipitation and heat events. At the same time, environmental conditions are also projected to change, posing chronic hazards as average yearly temperatures rise. The natural cycle of water circulation in contemporary cities is often very disturbed as a result of improper management of space. The necessity to protect the natural environment, and in particular respect for water rights, in the face of climate change and constant pressure of urbanization - requires a radical change in the approach to rainwater and surface water management in Polish cities. It is necessary to improve the integration of spatial planning with water management in many areas. The purpose of this research is to determine the effective role of space management processes to provide permeable surfaces in the urban areas as an important element of the system of rainwater management. The article will present an analysis of the possibilities of increasing the absorptivity of the areas in selected areas of Cracow.