SUDS (sustainable urban drainage systems)

Question 1

What are SUDS?

Answer 1

A sequence of water management systems and facilities designed to drain surface water, showing a more sustainable approach rather than routing run-off through a pipe

Question 2

How are SUDS a more sustainable approach?

Answer 2

They direct water through a drain/pipe to a watercourse in a more sustainable way, slowing down water to avoid flood risk

Question 3

What are the problems of surface water?

Answer 3

1. Increased flooding due to runoff from paved areas
2. Water soaking into ground reduced as rainwater diverted to pipes, causes ground water levels to dry and water flow lost in watercourses
3. Surface runoff can be contaminated (oil, organic matter, toxic metals) results in poor water quality
4. Leaves urban watercourses lifeless/unattractive

Question 4

Describe permeable pavements:

Answer 4

1. Water flows through porous pavements made of concrete blocks, crushed stone or porous asphalt
2. Water infiltrate into subsoil (or stored in reservoirs) e.g. crushed stone layer
3. If infiltration not possible an impermeable membrane used with overflown to keep water off pavements
4. Pollutant removal happens through sub-base material itself or by filtering/reservoir

Question 5

Describe green roofs & rainwater reuse:

Answer 5

1. Green roofs reduce peak flow/total volume discharge and improve water quality, insulation and increase roof lifespan
2. Rainwater reuse collects rainwater on site to be used as a substitute for mains water e.g. flushing toilets

Question 6

Describe infiltration trenches:

Answer 6

Stone filled reservoirs where water infiltrates into ground, incorporates filter strip and has a gully or sump pit to remove excessive solids

Question 7

Describe ponds and wetlands:

Answer 7

1. Contribute to visual amenity and biodiversity
2. Accommodate to variations in water levels during storms enhancing flood storage capacity
3. Algae/plants provide good level of filtering and nutrient removal
4. Ponds + wetlands fed by swales, filter drains or piped systems
5. Silt traps help manage sedimentation

Question 8

Describe swales and basins:

Answer 8

1. Incorporated into landscapes/screen planted areas
2. Provide temporary storm water storage, reduce peak flows and filtrate pollutants
3. Encourage microbial decomposition and water infiltration
4. Connect to drainage network pond/wetland
5. Installed alongside roads, saving construction costs

Question 9

What SUDS are used in Alcester? (case study)

Answer 9

Soakaways, swales, rain gardens, permeable pavings

Question 10

What’s the SUDS case study?

Answer 10

Alcester Care Centre - Warwickshire

Question 11

What are the benefits of the SUDS in Alcester?

Answer 11

Creation of environment, control of surface runoff, water treated biologically, lower installation cost over conventional piped system, biodiversity increase, positive example of sustainable design