Rainwater harvesting

As challenges of climate change become more apparent the consideration of the water cycle and approaches to adaptation will become more important. In areas that require water cycle studies, where the effects of development on the water cycle have to be managed, SuDS are often required.

Capturing surface water runoff locally and using it for example for: toilet flushing or landscaping reduces the amount of potable (mains) water required for such activities. It can, as part of an integrated surface water management strategy, provide localised storage which when available and across a large scale, can help to attenuate flows lowering flood risk and the potential for pollution to water bodies. Using less water can provide a benefit to the consumer with lower bills and to the water company in abstracting, treating and supplying potable water (See the pathway diagram below).

Read more on:

• Benefits of SuDS
• Flood risk management
• Water quality management
• Biodiversity & ecology
• Amenity
• Air quality
• Building temperature
• Carbon reduction & sequestration
• Crime
• Economic growth
• Education
• Enabling development
• Flexible infrastructure/climate change adaptation
• Groundwater recharge
• Health & wellbeing
• Pumping wastewater
• Recreation
• Tourism
• Traffic calming
• Treating wastewater
• SuDS performance and monitoring