In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the increasing public concern regarding stormwater intensity and rainfall patterns over the past decade. A representative noted that while historical data shows cyclical trends in rainfall, there has been a noticeable increase in rainfall intensities over the last 10 to 15 years.
Currently, the guidelines for rainfall data are based on the Atlas volume number 14, which has not been updated since 2015. The anticipated update, Atlas 15, is expected to be released in the next couple of years, but its implementation may not occur until 2027 due to regulatory processes. The upcoming update is expected to reflect increased rainfall intensity data, which will be crucial for designing stormwater systems.
The discussion also highlighted improvements in addressing rates and volumes for downstream properties in the proposed revisions to subdivision regulations. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote in favor of adopting these revisions, signaling a proactive approach to managing stormwater challenges in light of changing rainfall patterns.