Sustainable Drainage Systems: What are they and what can I do?

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are designed to manage rainwater in a way that mimics natural processes. In urban areas, where many surfaces are sealed by buildings and paving, it can be difficult for water to infiltrate into the ground. This means rainwater runs quickly off surfaces into drains which can be overwhelmed during heavy rainfall, leading to flooding. SuDS can slow runoff down, provide areas to store water, and allow water to soak into the ground or be absorbed by vegetation. These processes slow down and reduce the volume of water reaching drains which helps to reduce the risk of flooding.

Benefits of SuDS

1. Flood Prevention: By slowing down and holding back rainwater, SuDS reduce the risk of flooding.
2. Water Quality Improvement: SuDS can filter out pollutants from rainwater, improving the quality of water that reaches rivers and streams.
3. Groundwater Recharge: Allowing water to soak into the ground helps to replenish groundwater supplies.
4. Wildlife Habitats: SuDS can create green spaces that provide habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
5. Urban Green Spaces: They can help to make urban areas more attractive and provide recreational spaces for people

Types of SuDS

Watch the following video to find out more about SuDS and the different types:

Can I install SuDS on my property?

Yes! As a homeowner there are some simple and cost effective ways you can contribute to the better management of rainfall and reduction of flood risk:

1. Permeable surfaces: This means increasing the area of ground that will allow water to be absorbed. For example, using gravel or permeable paving in driveways, reducing areas of paving and increasing the area of grass or borders and using natural materials rather than astroturf.
2. Planters: These are containers with soil and plants and certain planters can also be connected to downpipes to absorb the rainwater from roof gutters.
3. Water Butts: Water butts collect and store rainwater from roof gutters. This water can then be used for gardening, washing cars and other outdoor uses, reducing demand for mains water.

SuDS in Hounslow

The London Borough of Hounslow is working with our partners on installation of SuDS across the borough, to find out more please visit our project pages on the Rivers, Waterways and Flooding homepage.