There is a variety of alternatives for the design of flood defenses, with the aim of reducing unwanted environmental impacts, which must be analyzed technically, economically and environmentally. There are several options to minimize structural measures that can cause environmental disruption:

If the intensity and frequency of flooding increases due to artificial changes in the watershed, non-structural solutions can be emphasized, such as renewing the vegetation of cleared areas, implementing contours and influx of people. Where flood control is necessary to protect existing structures, there may be no alternative but structural protective measures. In this case, the options relate to the selection of measures, their installation and management to minimize environmental impact. We must also remember that for these alternatives to be effective, everyone's help and all possible collaboration are needed.