ABSTRACT
As Europe attempts to deliver the laudable objectives of the Water Framework Directives to achieve good ecological status in all water bodies, particular challenges faced by river basin management will require a culture change to the fundamental concept of risk management risk removal, risk reduction and residual risk management, in that order. One of the ways of applying this principle to river basin management is in the control of water quantity and improvement of water quality and amenity through sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). SuDS deliver the need to learn to live with water, maximising the use and enjoyment of water as an important resource, while reducing our overall risk of pollution and flooding from it, optimising the opportunities for habitat diversity, landscape management and social well-being.
This paper discusses the development and application or best practice in sustainable management of run-off from developments, looking specifically at its impact on the quality and quantity of water. It highlights the importance of SuDs as one of the toolkit of measures necessary to support the achievement of good ecological status of inland water bodies and hence the objectives of the Water Framework Directive. It is largely supported by an ongoing case study in the United Kingdom, where a project is currently underway to research, design and construct a showcase site for sustainable water management systems (SWMS).
