ABSTRACT
Chapter 9 builds on the findings in Chapter 8 and further assesses runoff volumes resultant from different planning approaches (ecological in The Woodlands vs. conventional in Houston). The comparative Houston communities have much lower development densities and an overall higher soil infiltration capacity than The Woodlands, which intuitively suggests less runoff after development. The opposite is true, however – The Woodlands generates lower runoff volumes than Houston communities. In addition, The Woodlands flow regimens remain similar to a natural forest. In contrast, “flashy” streams are observed in the Houston test-bed.
