Implementation of a maintenance plan for stormwater management infrastructures using the systemic method

Urban stormwater management is essential for limiting flooding, protecting ecosystems and ensuring infrastructure durability. However, the long-term effectiveness of these systems depends heavily on an appropriate maintenance strategy. This paper develops a preventive maintenance plan based on a systemic approach, aimed at enhancing the sustainability and performance of stormwater management infrastructures, particularly bioretention basins. The approach adopted breaks down each infrastructure into critical sub-components, assesses their performance according to specific criteria, and then recommends maintenance actions based on observed results. A case study of four basins in Montréal revealed performance levels ranging from 83.21% to 85.23%, indicating the need for regular inspections, continuous monitoring, and a medium priority for intervention. The results support the effectiveness of the systemic method for prioritizing interventions and anticipating deterioration, ensuring optimal and sustainable infrastructure management. This research proposes a structuring framework, offering municipal managers a decision-making tool tailored to address the growing challenges posed by urbanization and climate change. It demonstrates the practical effectiveness of the systemic approach in an operational urban stormwater context.