Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) - Overview and Three Pillars

Careful design and incorporation of SuDS into new development or redevelopment schemes will deliver effective drainage while at the same time avoiding increased flood risk downstream. Sustainable drainage effectively delivers on the three 'pillars' that define the concept, ie water quantity, water quality and amenity / biodiversity, as depicted below: Water Quantity Manage rainfall to mimic natural drainage • Reduce run-off rates • Reduce additional run-off volumes and frequencies • Encourage natural groundwater recharge • Reduce the impact of short duration intense storm events, in particular helping to reduce the impact of 'out of sewer' flood / pollution events Water Quality Minimise adverse impacts on water quality • Reduce pollution and protect the quality of receiving waters • Prevent direct discharge of spillage -, SuDS used at the construction stage for a development is considered as 'best practice' • Reduce the volume of surface waste runoff to sewers and so reduce storm overflows Amenity and Biodiversity • Contribute to the amenity and aesthetic value of the development and the wider environs • Provide habitat for wildlife and enhance biodiversity