As our towns and cities continue to grow, managing surface water has become an increasing challenge. Traditional drainage systems often struggle to cope with the volume and speed of runoff caused by urban development. That’s where Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) come in.
At PWD Consultants, we design and deliver SuDS that work with the natural environment to slow down and manage water flow more effectively – reducing flood risk, protecting water quality and supporting biodiversity.
What Are SuDS?
Sustainable Drainage Systems are engineered solutions that mimic natural water processes to manage surface water runoff. Unlike conventional systems that rapidly channel water into sewers and rivers, SuDS are designed to:
- Slow the flow of water across a site
- Filter and clean runoff before it reaches watercourses
- Allow water to soak into the ground or evaporate naturally
SuDS also ease the pressure on existing drainage networks, particularly important during heavy rainfall events which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Why Are SuDS Important in Urban Environments?
Urban areas are largely made up of impermeable surfaces such as roads, pavements and rooftops. These surfaces prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground, increasing the volume and speed of surface runoff.
SuDS offer an effective and sustainable solution by:
- Reducing flood risk by slowing and controlling runoff
- Improving water quality by filtering out pollutants and debris
- Supporting biodiversity through green infrastructure
- Enhancing the visual appeal of developments with landscaped features
- Meeting planning conditions and environmental standards
Types of SuDS We Design and Implement
We tailor each drainage strategy to the needs of the specific site. Common SuDS elements we work with include:
Permeable Paving
Surfaces that allow rainwater to pass through into a sub-base for storage or infiltration.
Swales
Shallow, vegetated channels that transport and treat surface water while encouraging infiltration into the ground.
Green Roofs
Vegetated rooftop systems that absorb rainfall, reduce runoff and improve thermal performance.
Soakaways and Infiltration Trenches
Underground structures that collect and slowly disperse water into the surrounding soil.
Detention Basins and Ponds
Temporary storage areas that hold surface water and release it slowly to reduce peak flow rates.
Our Approach to SuDS Design
We integrate SuDS into our civil engineering and infrastructure projects from the earliest stages. Our goal is to create drainage systems that are:
- Fully compliant with Scottish Water and SEPA guidance
- Approved under relevant local authority planning policies
- Resilient to climate change and adaptable for future needs
With a balance of engineering expertise and regulatory awareness, we deliver SuDS solutions that are functional, sustainable and future proof.
SuDS: More Than Just Compliance
While Sustainable Drainage Systems are increasingly a requirement for planning, they also bring long term value:
- Enhanced living environments for residents and users
- Lower maintenance and repair costs for drainage infrastructure
- Improved sustainability performance for developers and asset managers
When properly designed and implemented, SuDS offer benefits well beyond water management. They can help create more attractive, resilient and environmentally responsible communities.
Partner with Us
If you are planning a residential development, commercial site, or infrastructure project, we can provide expert guidance on integrating SuDS effectively from the start.