The effects of climate change could lead to changes in rainfall patterns and frequency and therefore increase the importance of surface water management and removal of run-off.
The Code for Sustainable Homes refers to both reducing water consumption and to reduction of run-off from hard surfaces and roofs, further emphasising the importance of the issue.
Since the construction industry is responsible for the greatest number of significant pollution incidences recorded by the Environment Agency in England and Wales, adopting sustainable surface water management practice is a major issue. With strategic implementation, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) can reduce on site construction costs, help alleviate flooding and provide environmental improvements for the residents of new homes.
The NHBC Foundation publication,
A Simple Guide to Sustainable Drainage Systems for Housing, recommends developers consider SUDS at the planning and design stages of a building project so that unwanted surface water can be disposed of in the most efficient way.
What are SUDS?
SUDS are a sequence of management practices, control structures and strategies. The term SUDS covers a wide range of alternative urban drainage facilities, including wetlands or retention ponds, pervious paving, soakaways and infiltration trenches, basins and swales.
Traditionally, surface water drainage used underground piping to transport run-off from built-up areas as quickly as possible. In contrast, SUDS are designed to manage flow rates and protect and enhance water quality throughout the drainage basin.
SUDS can benefit the environment by ensuring excess surface water does not pollute water supply, which could be harmful to water users and biodiversity. SUDS can also create wetlands and green space, which provide a recreational area, rich in wildlife that can be used by the local community.
Practical issues of using SUDS
The guide indicates that SUDS are not universally viable in every situation. Prevailing ground conditions and local environment vary throughout the country, so it is important to choose the most suitable system for drainage, and on which can be maintained in the long term.
Cost of SUDS is also a consideration. The capital cost is somewhat lower than conventional drainage systems due to savings in excavation, materials and installation. However, maintenance cost for authorities can be significant in the long term. This said, since SUDS can reduce the potential for local flooding, the saving on costs of flood damaged homes and insurance premium increases is a clear benefit.
An Oxford University study has linked the floods that devastated parts of the UK in 2000 to climate change. According to the study, this is because warm air has the capacity to hold more moisture, which can make out breaks of heavy rain more frequent. 
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