Operation and Maintenance Challenges in China “Sponge City” Program

China started a Sponge City program to offset the adverse impacts of urban developments and to tackle many water-related problems. By emphasizing stormwater management practices with “natural solutions”, many positive results have been achieved. The operation and maintenance (O&M) of Sponge City to support long-term success gained considerable focus. China is facing challenges many developed countries have encountered, as well as unique ones due to specific social, economic, and environmental conditions. This study identified and discussed Sponge City O&M challenges: (1) scheduling challenges, (2) technical challenges, (3) in short of local regulation/ordnance, (4) inadequate O&M assessment standard, (5) underprovided training, (6) PPP related concerns, (7) inter-agency coordination needs, (8) ownership and responsible party issues, (9) substandard documentation, and (10) funding and financial concerns. Selected cases and progress in pilot cities are introduced in the discussions.