ABSTRACT
In Brazil, over 80% of the Brazilian population live in cities. As a consequence of that population growth, there is waterproofing of the soil, occupation of marginal river protection strips, deforestation, river channeling, increasing amount of solid waste that is thrown into these water bodies, among others. When great rainfall occurs, water bodies overflow and cause flooding with material, human and environmental damage impacting the health of the population. In the world, 20 million people suffer annually from floods. Brazil occupies the 11th place in the ranking with 270 thousand people being affected by the floods. This article, therefore, makes a critical analysis of the evolution of the process of urban rainwater management from the traditional drainage phase, with the implementation of structural and non-structural measures with the purpose of repelling water, including the use of sustainable drainage, with the purpose of delaying the flow of water by constructing underground reservoirs, to the present phase when solutions are proposed based on or in harmony with nature, with gray and green structures. We hope to contribute to raising the awareness of managers and of the population so that each one fulfills their role in the appropriate and conscious management of urban rainwater.
KEYWORDS:
Stormwater management; Flood control; History; Tendency; Impacts on health
