Let’s get smart about new SuDS technology

Advances in smart rainwater reuse and active stormwater attenuation have the promise to ‘future-proof’ sustainable drainage designs and deliver much needed water efficiency benefits. So, let’s make sure we have the statutory guidance to fully embrace their potential.
A rethink of regulation and supporting guidance for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) has been promised in England, starting last October. An initiative has also been completed with broad industry consultation to provide more robust technical standards for SuDS than have previously been available. At the same time, we know that the bible for engineers who design SuDS – CIRIA C753 The SuDS Manual – is also due for an important update.
Let’s be clear: The common-sense approach of reusing rainwater collected for surface water drainage is far from new. Indeed, it was clearly stated as a priority in the design hierarchy in the SuDS manual. But, over time, water reuse has been side-lined as a priority design consideration, and it was even left out of the Government’s own Planning Practice Guidance. It makes sense: if you are collecting water onsite – then why not reuse it? What is the point of sending perfectly usable rainwater to be discharged into a drain or sewer, only to call for expensively treated mains water instead?
So, the Recommendations to Update Non-Statutory Technical Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) reinstate water reuse as the first consideration in the design hierarchy. Reuse is envisaged as an important way for developers to demonstrate they are deploying SuDS for “multiple benefits”.
According to the Government research document that accompanies the revised standards, the objective is that rainwater reuse should be “robustly considered wherever it would provide a valuable contribution to water security and a safe, cost-effective water supply option”…
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