Downpipes that discharge straight into the sewer send clean rainwater away while gardens dry out. Disconnecting buildings — rain barrels, infiltration crates, green roofs — keeps water where it falls: lower pressure on sewers, avoided costs for capacity expansion and repairs, and more ground and surface water in dry periods.
Residents see their own water buffering at work, strengthening the bond with the natural environment. Part of the shared green-blue package: five climate tasks together worth around €2.5 million against €1.3 million in costs per model neighbourhood. Source: Transform Zuid-Holland.