Exploring Urban Water Management Solutions for Mitigating Water Cycle Issues: Application to Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract

Urbanization and climate change have disrupted natural water circulation by increasing impervious surfaces and altering rainfall patterns, leading to reduced groundwater infiltration, deteriorating water quality, and heightened flood risks. This study investigates the application of Low Impact Development (LID) and flood control facilities as structural measures to address these challenges in the upper watershed of the Fucha River in Bogotá, Colombia. The methodology involved analyzing watershed characteristics, defining circulation problems, setting hydrological targets, selecting facility types and locations, evaluating performance, and conducting an economic analysis. To manage the target rainfall of (Formula presented.) (Formula presented.) (Formula presented.) under normal conditions, LID facilities such as vegetated swales, rain gardens, infiltration channels, and porous pavements were applied, managing approximately 2362 (Formula presented.) of runoff. For flood control, five detention tanks were proposed, resulting in a 31.8% reduction in peak flow and a 7.3% decrease in total runoff volume. The flooded area downstream was reduced by (Formula presented.) (Formula presented.), and the benefit–cost ratio was calculated at 1.02. These findings confirm that strategic application of LID and detention facilities can contribute to effective urban water cycle management and disaster risk reduction. While the current disaster management approach in Bogotá primarily focuses on post-event response, this study highlights the necessity of transitioning toward proactive disaster preparedness. In particular, the introduction and expansion of flood forecasting and warning systems are recommended as non-structural measures, especially in urban areas with complex infrastructure and climate-sensitive hydrology.