Co-production in mitigating the urban peak discharge

Abstract

Due to climate change, heavy rainfall is calculated to occur more often. In urban areas, less evaporation and infiltration are possible due to the interception of precipitation by houses and roads. This results in a shorter lag time and an increased discharge of rainwater, resulting in the urban peak discharge. This water discharge can cause pluvial floods at its peak level. Alongside top-down pluvial flood risk management, the possible value of citizen engagement in the form of co-production is underestimated. The municipality of Kampen mainly incentivises co-production to increase the effectiveness of pluvial flood risk management through financial support. Bottom-up initiatives of citizens do exist but do not dominate. The citizens of Kampen are moderately aware of the pluvial flood risk and of the mitigation measures that can be taken. The citizens generally think that both the municipal organisation and the citizens are responsible for pluvial flood risk mitigation action, but mainly expect the municipality to be the initiator in this. Most of the citizens have the capability to engage, but sometimes they run into practical barriers. The citizens who are not engaged mostly do not possess the required knowledge and/or resources. The municipality can enhance co-production by raising the pluvial flood risk awareness among citizens. An approach more customised to timing, area and citizens can enhance co- production to increase effectiveness in pluvial flood risk management in urban areas.