What is the Future of the Sustainable Drainage System?

April 04, 2025 | SuDS

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) help manage surface water flooding by slowing flow rates and increasing water storage.
This method also reduces pollution in water systems and eases pressure on outdated sewer systems.

From 2024, SuDS are expected to become mandatory in England. This follows DEFRA’s decision to implement Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The goal is to better control flooding and wastewater discharges.

Schedule 3: A New Era in Drainage Regulations

Schedule 3 offers a framework for approving and adopting SuDS. It aims to manage rainfall and reduce the amount of water entering sewers and storm overflow systems.

According to the government, Schedule 3 will:

• Lower the risk of surface water flooding
• Cut pollution
• Reduce strain on existing drainage infrastructure

A public consultation is planned for this summer. It will gather feedback on the impact assessment, national standards, and legal instruments. The consultation will also explore support needed for implementation.

A skills review will assess gaps in knowledge and training. This includes training for SuDS Approval Boards (SABs), likely to be managed by local authorities.

Once Schedule 3 becomes law, developers must include surface water drainage plans in all new projects.
This will be detailed in a Drainage Strategy report, showing how rainwater will be managed to reduce flood risk.

Sustainable Drainage System Design Solutions for Urban Areas

Possible SuDS solutions include:

• Green roofs
• Surface water pumps
• Soakaways
• Swales
• Rainwater harvesting
• Permeable paving
• Attenuation tanks

Why the Sustainable Drainage System Is Important for Climate Resilience

Today’s drainage systems often can’t handle extreme rainfall. Without alternative solutions, the damage from flooding will continue to grow.

A Climate Change Committee report warns that nearly 200,000 properties in England could be lost by 2050 due to rising sea levels. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit also predicts that 35,000 hectares of farmland are at risk of flooding every three years. This may rise to 130,000 hectares by the 2080s.

SuDS provide a natural, practical way to reduce this risk.

Reducing Flood Risk Through Sustainable Drainage System Strategies (H3)

Green infrastructure must be part of the solution.
More trees can absorb rainwater and cool urban areas.
Better systems can redirect groundwater to ponds and reservoirs, easing the burden on sewers.

New developments should use porous materials like sand, gravel, green roofs, and walls. These features reduce runoff and help prevent sewer overflows.

Roofs are a major opportunity. They make up 40–50% of impermeable urban surfaces.
If adapted to absorb rainwater, they could become a powerful tool for drainage.

Water pollution is another serious concern. Urban runoff often carries contaminants into rivers and sewers. Green infrastructure can act as a buffer, reducing polluted water from reaching natural systems.

For more information, contact Jas2 Construction Company in Luton, UK.