Author Archive: Ultimateplaces Photography

Stormwater Harvesting Cistern – Salt Lake City, Utah

Stormwater Harvesting Cistern - Salt Lake City, Utah

Stormwater harvesting systems are designed to collect, store, and reuse rainwater runoff from surfaces like rooftops, roads, and open spaces. These systems help mitigate urban flooding, reduce soil erosion, and replenish groundwater levels. By capturing rainwater before it enters storm drains, they also help decrease the strain on municipal drainage infrastructure, lowering the risk of waterlogging and contamination of natural water bodies.

There are several methods of stormwater harvesting, including rainwater tanks, underground storage reservoirs, permeable pavements, and bio-retention basins. These systems filter out debris and pollutants, making the harvested water suitable for non-potable uses such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and industrial cooling. Advanced systems may incorporate filtration and treatment technologies to enhance water quality, making it safe for potable use in some cases.

The benefits of stormwater harvesting extend beyond water conservation. It promotes sustainable urban development, reduces dependence on traditional water sources, and contributes to climate resilience by managing extreme rainfall events. Additionally, it supports green infrastructure initiatives by integrating with urban landscaping, creating aesthetic and eco-friendly environments. As water scarcity becomes a growing global concern, stormwater harvesting presents an effective and environmentally responsible solution for sustainable water management.

Norris Hydroelectric Dam – Rocky Top, Tennessee

Norris Hydroelectric Dam - Rocky Top, Tennessee

Norris Dam, completed in 1936, was the first major project of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a New Deal initiative aimed at modernizing the Tennessee Valley region. Constructed on the Clinch River in eastern Tennessee, the dam was designed for flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and economic development. Named after Senator George W. Norris, a strong advocate for public power, the dam was a centerpiece of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s vision for rural electrification and economic recovery. Built during the Great Depression, the project provided thousands of jobs and stimulated local economies. The dam’s completion marked the beginning of TVA’s extensive efforts to transform the Tennessee River system, eventually leading to the creation of a network of dams, reservoirs, and power plants across the region.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established in 1933 to address severe flooding, deforestation, and economic hardship in the Tennessee Valley, one of the most impoverished regions in the U.S. By constructing dams like Norris, TVA provided cheap hydroelectric power, improved navigation, and helped control soil erosion. However, the project also had significant social costs—more than 2,900 families were displaced to create the Norris Reservoir, leading to widespread resentment among some residents. Despite this, TVA’s initiatives modernized agriculture, brought electricity to rural areas, and encouraged industrial growth, transforming the region into an economic powerhouse. Today, Norris Dam remains a vital part of TVA’s infrastructure, supporting power generation, recreation, and environmental conservation efforts.

Ohio River Road Damage – Clarksville, Indiana

Ohio River Road Damage - Clarksville, Indiana

The image depicts damage to road running parallel to the Ohio River, in Clarksville , Indiana after recent high water and flooding led to bank erosion. Louisville, Kentucky lies on the opposite side of the Ohio River.

The Ohio River experiences frequent flooding and bank erosion, primarily due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and its extensive tributary system. Major floods have historically impacted cities along the river, with some of the worst occurring in 1937, 1997, and 2018. The Great Flood of 1937 was the most devastating, submerging entire towns, displacing hundreds of thousands, and causing widespread destruction from Pittsburgh to Cairo, Illinois. Modern flood control measures, including reservoirs, levees, and the lock-and-dam system managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, help mitigate extreme flooding. However, heavy storms and prolonged wet seasons still cause periodic water level surges, leading to localized flooding and property damage.

Bank erosion along the Ohio River is another persistent issue, caused by fast-moving currents, seasonal floods, and human activities like dredging and construction. Erosion leads to the loss of farmland, damage to infrastructure, and increased sedimentation in the river, which can affect water quality and aquatic habitats. In urban areas, failing riverbanks threaten roads, bridges, and homes, requiring costly stabilization efforts. Some communities use riprap (rock barriers), retaining walls, and vegetation planting to slow erosion, but long-term riverbank stability remains a challenge. As climate patterns shift, increased rainfall intensity may worsen both flooding and erosion, prompting further investment in floodplain management and conservation efforts.