Returning water to urban life

Urban Farm DB summary

This chapter considers cities as agents of change by examining the socio-cultural-political implications of transitioning urban hydrological infrastructure from "gray" to "green." It argues that traditional gray infrastructure -- especially impermeable surfaces -- is costly, inefficient, and damaging to ecosystem processes, while green infrastructure -- hybrid planned spaces such as parks, wetlands, non-concrete detention ponds, and rooftop gardens -- creates permeable surfaces that allow water infiltration and other natural processes. Using a case study of detention pond SCS16 in Denton, Texas, the chapter suggests that making urban water infrastructure visible can renew community connections with water and allow urban dwellers to experience water as more than a mere utility.