Stormwater drainage systems are designed to manage rainwater runoff, especially during heavy rainfall. These systems collect water from surfaces like roads and rooftops and direct it safely away from buildings and infrastructure. In the Dutch Caribbean, traditional methods such as rooien (natural channels) and tanki (small reservoirs) are still used, but modern technologies like underground crates, pipes and tanks can also be explored. These systems help reduce flooding, erosion, and water pollution, while also supporting freshwater availability.
Additional measures to manage stormwater include rainwater harvesting, permeable pavements and nature based solutions including vegetated waterways, bioretention systems, and other measures that increase the infiltration capacity of the soil.
Feasibility & Local Applicability
Stormwater drainage systems are feasible in island contexts, especially when adapted to local conditions. Existing infrastructure can be upgraded with modular systems like attenuation crates or decentralized rainwater harvesting. However, challenges include limited technical capacity, lack of data, and fragmented planning. Low Impact Development (LID) and decentralized solutions are more feasible in small island contexts than large scale centralized drainage systems.
Co-benefits
Beyond flood prevention, these systems offer multiple benefits. They help recharge groundwater, reduce pollution in coastal waters, and support water reuse for irrigation or sanitation. In tourism-heavy islands, improved drainage protects infrastructure and reduces disruption during storms.
Equity & Vulnerability Considerations
Stormwater systems can reduce vulnerability in low-income and flood-prone areas, where infrastructure is often weakest. However, equitable access depends on inclusive planning and community engagement. Informal settlements may lack proper drainage, increasing health risks. Integrating traditional knowledge, such as the use of rooien, can improve local acceptance and effectiveness.
Costs
Low - High | Costs vary depending on the scale and technology used. Simple systems like rain gardens or permeable pavements are relatively low-cost and easy to maintain. Larger underground systems or engineered tanks require more investment but offer long-term resilience.
Case-studies & Examples
- St. Maarten. Orange Grove Drainage System Installation
- Luongo.com Water management
- Technologische waterberging in de bodem
Literature
- Geraldes, A., Piqueiro, F., Santos, C., & Matos, C. (2024). Stormwater Management in Urban Coastal Areas—A Review. Water, 16(19), 2717
- van Houselt, G. J. (2021). A Rainwater Harvesting System based Blueprint for Excess Runoff Management on Caribbean Small Island Developing States Investigating the Feasibility of the Rigofill System Combined with New Dam Structures in the Coral Estate Resort–Curacao (Master's thesis).
- Horsley Witten Group and Center for Watershed Protection Inc. (2014). Stormwater management in Pacific and Caribbean Islands: A practitioner's guide to implementing LID. prepared for NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program. 186 pp.
- Yang, L., Quinones, E. R., Yao, E. B., Lin, Q., Tang, Z., & Deng, Y. (2025). Making waves: Harnessing stormwater for resilient water supply-A blueprint for vulnerable continental coasts and oceanic islands. Water Research, 268, 122593.