Other guidance
The SuDS Manual (CIRIA publication C753) will guide you through the design process and can be used by those checking designs and calculations to ensure that sustainable drainage principles have been applied. CIRIA's related guidance can be found here.
This website does not provide specific design guidance or tools, however useful information can be obtained from a variety of guidance documents, tools, initiatives and training. A list of national and international information sources is provided below, please let susdrain know if there are other examples.
General overview of SuDS
SuDS sector guidance
Mayor of London, 2021
Sector-specific SuDS guidance has been developed for schools, social housing, parks & green spaces, hospitals, retail and commercial buildings. These documents explain SuDS, their contribution to climate change adaptation and other benefits.
Sewerage Sector Guidance - approved documents
Water UK, 2020
This provides an opportunity to download all the approved documents assicuated with the sewerage sector guidance and the Design and Construction Guidance the enables WaSCs to adopt some SuDS components that can be classified as sewers.
Simple SuDS for local people - A Guide to sustainable drainage in developments
2019
The guide provides information to help local people:
• Work with developers and the local planning authority as SuDS are built,
• Monitor the ongoing maintenance of SuDS and trouble-shoot potential problems.
Sewerage sector guidance - a changed approach to surface water sewers
Water UK, 2018
The brochure outlines a new approach that allows English WaSCs to adop a wider range of sewer types, including those with more sustainable elements.
SuDS route maps
ICE & ACO, 2018
These route maps provide a process for the delivery of SuDS and signposting of relevant resources.
Water resilient cities - multiple benefits of a strategic retrofit of SuDS in schools across Greater Manchester
BITC, 2017
A report on the multiple benefits of retrofitting SuDS in schools and their associated payback.
How do we increase public understanding of the benefits provided by SuDS?
CREW, 2016
Report of a public outreach initiave to raise awareness about the water cycle, SuDS and related benefits.
Sustainable drainage systems: non-statutory technical standards
Defra, 2015
Non-statutory technical standards for the design, maintenance and operation of sustainable drainage systems to drain surface water.
NHBC, 2011
This guide introduces the concept of SUDS and the policy context.
A guide to SuDS in the urban landscape
Hydro International, 2011
This e-guide promotes the use of SuDS in the urban landscape.
London Play, 2010
This guide highlights the many ways of incorporating SuDS schemes in play areas.
SEPA, 2006
This leaflet provides a quick checklist of DOs and DON’Ts to consider when planning and designing SuDS (in Scotland).
Interim code of practice for SUDS
NSWG, 2004
This guide facilitates the implementation of sustainable drainage in developments in England and Wales by providing model maintenance agreements and advice on their use. There are associated model agreements.
Detailed SuDS design and components
Designing Rain Gardens: A Practical Guide
Urban Design London, 2018
This document provides a practical guide to designing and installing rain gardens in an urban environment.
Guide to Designing Geocellular Drainage Systems to CIRIA Report C737
British Plastics Federation Pipes Group, 2018
It provides practical guidance for designers and specifiers using a step by step theoretical example to explain how to follow through the C737 approach
Code of Practice - Assesment of manufactured treatment devices designed to treat surface water runoff
British Water, 2017
The CoP defines an assessment method which allows the manufacturers of surface water treatment devices to measure the pollutant capture and retention capability of their device and to declare those capabilities as they offer their product for sale on the UK market.
Guide to sustainable drainage products and services
British Water, 2017
This guidance publication briefly reviews sustainable drainage and outlines many of the issues which impact on surface water drainage.
SuDS study summary - Interception of 5 mm of rainfall
HR Wallingford and ACO, 2013
Summary of a study on approaches to deliver interception of 5 mm of rainfall and the development of practical methods to assess achievement of interception.
SuDS: maximising the potential for people and wildlife
RSPB & WWT, 2013
A guide for developers and local authorities on delivering sustainable drainage systems that benefit local wildlife.
Rainfall runoff management for developments
Environment Agency, 2013
This guide provides advice on sizing of storage elements for the control and treatment of stormwater runoff.
Rural Sustainable Drainage Systems
Environment Agency, 2012
This guidance provides an overview of the suitability and practicalities of using SuDS components to manage rural surface water runoff.
Use of SUDS in high density developments - guidance manual
HR Wallingford, 2005
This guide has been developed to assist achieving drainage best practice on all new developments, with specific support on SuDS for high density sites.
Irish SuDS: Guidance on applying the GDSDS surface water drainage criteria
GDSDS, 2005
This guidance has been drawn up to assist with the application of surface water drainage criteria in line with the GDSDS New Developments policy document.
SuDS increased liability for the water industry – Phase 2
UKWIR, 2006
This report investigates the liability risks associated with ownership of SuDS.
SUDS advice note - brownfield sites
SEPA, 2003
This guidance note aims to provide extra information with regard to the implementation of SUDS in brownfield sites.
Whole life costing for sustainable drainage
HR Wallingford, 2004
This guide provides advice on the assessment of whole life costs for SuDS.
Performance and whole life costs of best management practices and sustainable urban drainage systems
UKWIR, 2005
This report provides guidance on the selection, whole-life costing and design & maintenance of BMPs and SUDS.
Maximising the ecological benefits of Sustainable Drainage Schemes
HR Wallingford, 2003
This report reviews and provides guidance on the ecological benefits of SuDS compared to traditional systems. It also suggests designs and maintenance that maximises ecological performance.
The operation and maintenance of sustainable drainage infrastructure
HR Wallingford, 2004
This report describes a management strategy for the day to day care of SuDS, and applies current landscape maintenance practice managing surface drainage infrastructure.
SEPA et al, 2000
This guide provides best practice guidance on the management of ponds, pools and lochans in Scotland.
Guidance on the permeable surfacing of front gardens
DCLG, 2008
This document explains the different approaches to constructing a driveway or other paved area that manages surface water runoff.
Guidance on green roofs/living roofs
This website provides information on green roofs, the types and benefits as well as access to guidance on domestic green roofs.
Interpave, 2012
This document explores the latest approaches to planning, urban design and 'place shaping', in the context of the 2012 National Planning Policy Framework.
Interpave, 2012
This guide discusses the continuing need for sustainable drainage and emphasises the role of permeable paving
Interpave, 2008
This guidance highlights the advantages of using permeable paving.
Raingardens.info, 2012
This guide provides on the benefits, design, construction and maintenance of rain gardens.
Environment Agency, 2009
WRAS, 1999
This guide sets out to encourage the development of good practice through practical experience with reclaimed water systems.
Free SuDS web design and costing tools
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea SuDS for small developments tool
RBKC, 2013
This website provides an opportunity to assess the impact of development on surface water runoff and explore potential SuDS options. The website will ask for some site details, it's not necessary to enter any information.
UK SuDS guidance and tools
HR Wallingford, 2012
A website that provides tools for the management surface water from developments.
GDSDS, 2012
A website to facilitate the implementation of the GDSDS policies and the use of SuDS.
SCOTS Whole Life Cost and Whole Life Costing tool
SCOTS, 2012
Complementing the SuDS for Roads guidance this toolkist can be used as part of the process of designing and selecting SuDS components by providing evidence to support their use in different developments.
SuDS guidance produced by local authorities and sewerage undertakers
Non-statutory SuDS Standards Practice Guidance
LASOO, September 2015
A steering group developed guidance specifically on meeting the (English) non-statutory SuDS standards produced by government in April 2015.
Sustainable Drainage: Guide to Design, Adoption and Maintenance
Birmingham City Council/Arup, April 2015
Guidance on on the design, construction, operation and future maintenance of SuDS components within the Birmingham City jurisdiction.
Bristol SuDS guidance
Bristol City Council/Arup, March 2015
Bristol City Council and its partners have put together a range of guidance documents for developers and case studies to support SuDS delivery.
North Yorkshire County Council SuDS Design Guidance
North Yorkshire County Council, March 2015
The guidance note provides direction to relevant design guidance for the implementation of SuDS and is the basis on which planning consultations will be assessed.
Leicester City Council Sustainable Drainage Guide
Leciester City Council, February 2015
The guidance has been produced for developers, consultants and anyone developing land. It provides illustrations of SuDS components and discusses local requirements.
Peterborough SuDS resources
Peterborough City Council has put together a website with local SuDS resources.
Central Bedfordshire Sustainable Drainage Guidance
Central Bedfordshire/AECOM, April 2014
This Supplementary Planning Documents provides an overview of SuDS with reference to local and national requirements.
A guide for master planning sustainable drainage into developments
South East 7/AECOM, September 2013
Developed in partnership with Lead Local Flood Authorities of the South East of England this guide outlines the process for integrating sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) into the master planning of large and small developments.
Interim SuDS policy and Drainage design guide
Cornwall Council, 2012 & February 2013
This is an interim policy covering the scope and context for the Adoption of SuDS providing further clarity on the Council’s position on SuDS pending Schedule 3 of the FWMA 2010. There is also additional Council guidance on their preferred approach to drainage.
Hertfordshire County Council, 2012
This document sets out how the Council’s SAB will evaluate drainage schemes in accordance with the National Standards and the Flood and Water Management Act.
Peterborough Flood and Water Management – Supplementary Planning Document
Peterborough City Council 2012
This supplementary planning document (SPD) focuses on managing flood risk and the water environment in and around new developments.
Essex County Council: SuDS - Design and adoption guide
Essex County Council, 2012
This guide is for the planning, design, construction and adoption of SuDS
Anglian Water, 2011
This guide is for the design, construction and adoption of SuDS.
Anglian Water, 2011
This guide is intended to help those involved in planning and implementing new development to provide background around SuDS.
Surface Water Management: Interim guidance for developers
Shropshire Council, 2011
This document outlines the requirements for the management of surface water for all planning applications made to Shropshire Council.
Islington Council, 2010
This guide provides information and ideas for decision makers & designers to support the application of SUDS.
Ashford Borough Council - Sustainable drainage supplementary planning document
Ashford Borough Council, 2010
This supplementary planning document provides guidance on the measures and opportunities for sustainable drainage.
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council – Sustainable Drainage Systems
Tonbridge & Malling BC, 2010
This leaflet sets out advice for households and businesses on the SuDS.
Lancashire County Council – Creating civilised streets
Lancashire County Council, 2010
This guide focuses on the design of new residential streets and changes to existing street environments.
Wychavon District Council - Water management Supplementary Planning Document
Wychavon District Council, 2009
This supplementary planning document is to set out the Council’s commitment to minimising flood risk, managing surface water and achieving SuDS.
Cambridge City – SuDS design and adoption guide
Cambridge City Council, 2009
This guide is primarily aimed toward developers and their consultants seeking adoption of SUDS under the remit of Cambridge City Council.
Southampton City Council - Guide to Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS)
Southampton City, Council, 2009
This guidance document assists developers in the delivering SuDS.
Greater London Authority - Living roofs and walls
Greater London Authority
This technical report supports the London Plan olicy and provides technical detail on green roofs and walls.
Nottingham City Council -Sustainable Drainage Systems and green roofs
Nottingham City Council, 2008
Proposes the adoption of planning guidance to encourage the provision of SuDS.
Surface water management
BS 8582:2013 - Code of practice for surface water management for development sites
BSI, November 2013
BS 8582 gives recommendations on the planning, design, construction and maintenance of surface water management systems for new developments and redevelopment sites.
Surface water management planning guidance
Scottish Government, 2013
Guidance to assist responsible authorities in the preparation of Surface Water Management Plans to help manage surface water flooding as required under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009.
Surface water management plan technical guidance
Defra, 2010
The guidance provides a framework for partnership working, joint understanding and management of surface water flooding.
Integrated urban drainage pilot summary report
Defra, 2008
This report provides a summary of the 15 integrated urban drainage pilots run through the Making Space for Water project.
General water management
Planning advice for integrated water management
University of Cambridge, 2014
This advice note provides a one-stop-shop to de-mystify water management and demonstrate the benefits of building it into plans and planning decisions.
London Wildlife Trust, 2014
This guide shows how residents of towns and cities can reduce local flood risk, whilst also creating natural spaces that can benefit people and wildlife.
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Green infrastructure
Sustainable drainage can make an important contribution to green infrastructure and within the UK many local authorities have or are developing green infrastructure strategies. The role of green infrastructure was stressed in the UK governments Natural Environment White Paper. Some other initiatives and resources can be found here.
The GRO Green Roof Code
Green Roof Organisation, 2014
This code will help anyone who is designing, specifying, installing or maintaining a green roof.
Trees in hard landscapes: A guide for delivery
TDAG, 2014
This guidance is the companion document to Trees in the townscape: A guide for decision makers, 2012
Natural England green infrastructure guidance
Natural England, 2011
This guidance articulates Natural England’s position in relation to green infrastructure planning and delivery.
Defra, 2007
This guide provides an introduction to the valuation of ecosystem services.
Green infrastructure South West
Green Infrastructure South West, 2012
A website providing resources on green infrastructure delivery in the South West
The green infrastructure valuation toolkit user guide
Green Infrastructure North West, 2011
This toolkit user guide provides a very helpful introduction to the evidence demonstrating the benefits of green infrastructure interventions.
Green infrastructure North West
Green Infrastructure North West, 2012
A website providing resources on green infrastructure delivery in the North West.
University of Manchester 2012
Development of a toolkit and user guidance to support the delivery of climate change adaptation through blue and green infrastructure.
Red Rose Forest, 2012
A Community Forest for central and western Manchester working to develop well-wooded and multifunctional landscapes.
The Mersey Forest, 2012
A growing network of woodlands and green spaces across Cheshire and Merseyside
CABE, 2011
Archived website on CABEs campaign to embrace more green infrastructure.
Trees in the townscape - A guide for decision makers
TDAG, 2012
This guide provides best practice principles on delivering trees in urban areas.
Overseas green infrastructure
US EPA - Planning and modelling green infrastructure for combined sewer overflow (CSO) control
US EPA, 2014
This technical resource is intended to assist communitites in developing and evaluating Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) control alternatives that include green infrastructure.
US EPA, 2012
A website that provides an overview of using green infrastructure for surface water management including research and case studies.
New York City green infrastructure plan
NYC, 2012
This plan provides details about NYC’s ambitious plans to use green infrastructure to improve water quality.
NYC Green Infrastructure Plan: 2011 Preliminary Pilot Monitoring Results
NYC 2012
Further to the plan above, this report provides summarises the initial monitoring results and preliminary observations made in 2011 for a number of individual source controls.
Philadelphia – Green City, Clean Water
Philadelphia City, 2012
Provides an overview of Philadelphia’s 25 year plan to protect and enhance catchments with green infrastructure.
NRDC, 2011
This report explores how American cities are incorporating green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff. The report provides 14 case studies.
NRDC, 2011
This report explores the role of using green infrastructure to manage surface water runoff from highways and roads reducing costs and delivering benefits.
The value of green infrastructure
CNT, 2010
This American guide provides key considerations involved in assessing the economic merits of green infrastructure practices.
Highways
Water which runs off roads can potentially have an impact on the quality of receiving surface waters and groundwater and/or influence the occurrence of local flooding. Local authority highway guidance.
SSWP, 2010
This document provides guidance on the design of roads incorporating SUDS.
Highways Agency - design manual for roads and bridges: Volume 4
Highways Agency, 1996
The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) is a series of 15 volumes that provide official standards, advice notes and other documents relating to the design, assessment and operation of trunk roads in the UK.
DfT, 2007
The manual provides guidance on intelligent street design, giving priority to pedestrians and those using public transport. Designing streets Scottish Gov’t, 2010 Provides guidance on improve street design as part of overall place making.
Overseas highways
Portland green streets programme Portland
BES, 2012
A website providing resources on Portland’s green street programme.
Seattle streetscape design guidance
Seattle.gov, 2012
A website providing guidance on green stormwater infrastructure as part of right of way improvements.
Right-of-Way Improvements Manual
Seattle Seattle.gov, 2011
The Right-of-Way Improvements Manual is an on-line resource developed by the City of Seattle helping those involved with the design, permitting, and construction of improvements to Seattle’s street right-of-way.
New York City Department of Transportation - Street design manual
NYC, 2009
The Street Design Manual provides policies and design guidelines for the improvement of streets and sidewalks throughout New York City.
Managing wet weather with green infrastructure municipal handbook
CED Engineering, 2008
This American handbook introduces the concept of Green Streets and how they can achieve multiple benefits.
AILA, 2008
This Australian overview identifies the scope of emerging practices applying Water Sensitive Urban Design measures at the streetscape level.
The Chicago Green Alley handbook
2007
This handbook illustrates the BMP techniques the City will use in green alley designs, and provides sample layouts
International initiatives
A number of different countries have embraced sustainable drainage, either on its own or as part of a broader approach to managing the water cycle. In America SuDS is often referred to as Best Management Practices (BMPs), or Low Impact Developments (LIDs). In Australia a sustainable drainage approach is often incorporated in Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), and in New Zealand they are beginning to use Low Impact Urban Development)
Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF)
WERF, 2012
The website for America’s leading independent research organisation dedicated to stormwater issues.
US EPA, 2012
A website containing technical and regulatory information about the EPA’s stormwater water programme.
Centre for Watershed Protection
CWP, 2012
A website providing information about integrated watershed management.
LID Center, 2012
A website providing information on protecting the environment and water resources through better development design and replicating nature.
Portland Bureau of Environmental Services
Portland BES, 2012
A website providing information on their approach to stormwater management in Portland
Centre for Water Sensitive Cities
CWSC, 2012
An Australian website and initiative exploring many approaches and research themes related to delivering better water management and Water Sensitive Urban Design
CWSC, 2012
An Australian website for the Centre for Water Sensitive Cities which is championing better water management and Water Sensitive Urban Design.
2012
A website that provides support to Australian council to improve urban water management.
2012
An Australian capacity building programme to support ecological sustainable water management.
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