Sustainable Drainage
Sustainable drainage systems can be developed in line with the ideals of sustainable development, by balancing the different issues that should be influencing the design. Surface water drainage methods that take account of quantity, quality and amenity issues are collectively referred to as Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS). These systems are more sustainable than conventional drainage methods because they:
- Manage runoff flowrates, reducing the impact of urbanisation on flooding
- Protect or enhance water quality
- Are sympathetic to the environmental setting and the needs of the local community
- Provide a habitat for wildlife in urban watercourses
- Encourage natural groundwater recharge (where appropriate)
They do this by:
- Dealing with runoff close to where the rain falls
- Managing potential pollution at its source now and in the future
- Protecting water resources from point pollution (such as accidental spills) and diffuse sources
They may also allow new development in areas where existing sewerage systems are close to full capacity, thereby enabling development within existing urban areas.
Urban drainage is moving away from the conventional thinking of designing for flooding to balancing the impact of urban drainage on flood control, quality management and amenity.
Gridforce is fully SUDS compliant. To find out more about how Gridforce can be used for projects ranging from home driveways to industrial applications please click here.
