Suitability pre-assessment for decoupling in-sewer captured streams to support urban blue-green climate adaptation measures

Abstract The application of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation in cities has increased recent years. To improve microclimatic conditions and to preserve the natural components related assets, water supply is necessary. As an alternative drinking water, stream might serve as a source irrigation. However, due continuous urbanisation, courses have often been banned underground pipes or integrated combined sewer network, both making them not directly available further usage. This article focuses on perspectives decoupling captured streams from infrastructure support urban measures. It introduces method identify suitable locations practical implementation considering hydrological potential sensitivity concerned area. approach was applied case study north-western part Vienna, including 16 with total length about 39 km covering area approximately 95 km2 half million inhabitants. work proved general practicality suggested method. also revealed that one-third investigated lengths appears high medium adaption measures, leading notable cost savings irrigation (for substitution water) wastewater treatment. Concluding, could contribute more sustainable management. introduced suitability pre-assessment applicable rather easily input data, which makes it transferable other cities.