Social and Amenity Benefits of Sustainable Drainage

Sustainable drainage also offers scope for the realisation of significant social, recreational and health / quality of life benefits. Examples include the following: • The potential of some elements, such as swales, basins, ponds and wetlands to contribute to the provision and integration of 'green infrastructure' • The potential use of some elements, such as ponds, for active and passive recreational purposes and educational purposes; within the urban fabric helps to deliver the quality of life benefits associated with green infrastructure; • Improved water quality generally will benefit public health and enhance the enjoyment of water based recreational activities such as angling; • The risks to those suffering from respiratory conditions, notably asthma, resulting from air pollution, have been shown to reduce through the chemical effect of certain sustainable drainage systems in trapping pollutants. Such benefits are particularly realised in large urban areas where levels of air pollution are usually highest.