Managing Surface Water (SuDS)

• Reduce the likelihood of pollutants reaching watercourses.
• Reduce runoff by reducing impermeable areas.
• Store runoff through attenuation.
• Allow water to infiltrate into the ground.
• Convey water slowly on the surface (where it is easy to inspect and can provide local amenity and habitat for wildlife).
• Allow sediments to settle out.
• Only then, and only if it cannot be dealt with on site, convey runoff off-site

Within a SuDS Management Train, the individual elements/techniques capture, control, treat and finally discharge the surface water, either into a water course or underground. 

The decision as to which techniques should be included within any Management Train specification depends on:

· the features and constraints of the site

· the size and type of development that is planned

· the nature of the surrounding area

There are some important principles to bear in mind when it comes to designing an effective SuDS Scheme or Management Train. 

· SuDS schemes are complex drainage systems and therefore need to be designed by qualified drainage professionals

· Designing a SuDS scheme should start at an early stage in a build to allow drainage engineers to assess and adjust the scheme to accommodate key factors such as expected loading and the available space

· A scheme should remain viable for the lifetime of the development (>100 years)

Proprietary products, either solus or in combination with natural solutions, can form an effective defence that meets with regulatory requirements, particularly in developments where space is limited. 

All SuDS techniques, whether natural or proprietary must be regularly maintained and serviced if they are to remain effective over the lifetime of a development.

The term “Adoption” is used to describe when an individual or organisation takes responsibility for the management and maintenance of a SuDS system.  In Northern Ireland, local authorities, water and sewerage companies (WaSCs), and private companies have all adopted SuDS. 

In NI, surface water management policies are governed by the Water & Sewerage Act 2016 .  Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Act relate to Sustainable Drainage Systems, Refusal of Surface Water Connections and Adoption Agreements. 

In ROI, because the Irish Building Regulations Part H have not yet been updated, most counties refer to the Greater Dublin Code of Practice for drainage works (Draft 6) Section 16 .

Further advice from the Office of Public Works which co-ordinate flood management response across ROI can be found here https://www.floodinfo.ie/ , including at-risk areas and flood risk prevention recommendations.