What are sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) designed to achieve?

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) are designed to manage surface water in a way that mirrors natural processes, thereby minimizing the risk of flooding and reducing pollution. The goal of SuDS is to manage water at its source through methods that allow for the natural infiltration, storage, and treatment of rainwater, promoting groundwater recharge and maintaining water quality.

By utilizing techniques such as green roofs, permeable pavements, swales, and retention ponds, SuDS help to slow down the flow of water and facilitate the natural filtration process. This means that instead of overwhelming sewer systems with surface water runoff, SuDS can effectively reduce the volume and speed of water entering drainage systems, which can prevent urban flooding and pollution of our waterways.

In contrast, options that suggest maximizing surface water runoff or entirely replacing traditional drainage systems do not align with the objectives of SuDS. Similarly, increasing water usage in agriculture is not a primary goal of SuDS, as their focus is on managing water sustainably and improving the ecological balance in urban environments.