Overview
ISO/TR 24539:2021 is an ISO Technical Report that compiles examples of good practices for stormwater management. Published in 2021, it supports ISO 24536 by illustrating practical measures, planning approaches and organisational arrangements used in different countries to reduce flood risk, protect water quality, conserve water resources and enhance ecosystem and social outcomes. The report is informative (non‑normative) and presents case studies, classifications and references to standards and guidance used internationally.
Key topics and technical coverage
- Scope and purpose: Examples of asset and non‑asset measures for stormwater systems, aligned with the objectives defined in ISO 24536 (flow control, water quality, quantity, ecosystem and public‑safety protection, social values, climate adaptation).
- Structured case studies: Each example follows a consistent format (Background, Purpose, Project outline, Organization) to aid comparison and transferability.
- Illustrative measures:
- Nature‑based solutions (e.g., constructed wetlands, habitat restoration)
- Stormwater harvesting and reuse schemes
- Dynamic and real‑time control of drainage systems and sewer networks
- Storage, diversion and detention solutions (tanks, ponds, river diversions)
- Early warning systems and radar‑based forecasting for flood risk management
- Source infiltration promotion and green infrastructure
- International examples: Annex A contains country‑specific case studies (Australia, Austria, Denmark, France, Japan, and others) showing diverse technical and institutional responses.
- Reference resources: Annex B lists standards, guidelines and URLs used by contributors in different countries (informative only).
Practical applications and users
ISO/TR 24539 is designed for practitioners who plan, design, operate or regulate urban stormwater and drainage systems:
- Municipal stormwater and wastewater utilities
- Urban planners and civil/environmental engineers
- Water resources managers and flood risk authorities
- Consultants, researchers and NGOs involved in climate adaptation and blue‑green infrastructure
- Policymakers and regulators seeking examples of institutional arrangements and funding approaches
Use cases include developing stormwater management strategies, selecting suitable measures (nature‑based vs engineered), implementing real‑time control and forecasting systems, and benchmarking international practice.
Related standards and keywords
- Closely related to: ISO 24536 (stormwater management objectives and framework)
- SEO keywords: ISO TR 24539, stormwater management, good practices, urban flooding, real‑time control, constructed wetlands, stormwater reuse, flood risk management, stormwater utilities, climate adaptation
This report is a practical reference to help translate high‑level stormwater objectives into real‑world projects and institutional arrangements, with examples that can be adapted to local contexts.