What Are Sustainable Drainage Systems in Cumbria?

Are you concerned about the potential impact of drainage systems on the environment in Cumbria? Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) are the answer. Drainage Cumbria is a drainage company in Cumbria that specializes in SUDS.

SUDS refer to drainage systems that are designed to provide sustainable drainage solutions for water management in urban and other developed areas. Some of the key benefits of SUDS include:

• Reducing the risk of flooding
• Enhancing water quality
• Promoting green spaces
• Mitigating the impact of developments on the environment
• Supporting biodiversity

Water Management Challenges in Cumbria

Cumbria is a county in North West England that is known for its natural beauty and is home to the Lake District National Park. However, it is also a region that is vulnerable to flooding. Cumbria has witnessed several devastating floods in the past, and it is essential to adopt sustainable drainage solutions to address the water management challenges in the area.

The region has experienced an increase in urbanization and development that has led to the loss of green spaces, which reduces the capacity of land to absorb rainwater. This puts a strain on the existing drainage systems, leading to increased surface water flooding and pollution.

Sustainable Drainage Systems in Cumbria

Sustainable drainage systems in Cumbria are designed to mimic the natural water cycle by managing rainwater at source through a combination of measures that slow down, store, and filter water before releasing it into local watercourses or the sewer system.

Sustainable drainage systems employ techniques that reduce surface water runoff and promote infiltration, including:

• Infiltration systems: These systems allow rainwater to percolate into the ground and recharge the underlying aquifer. They include soakaways, infiltration basins, and permeable pavements.
• Attenuation systems: These systems detain or store rainwater temporarily, reducing the volume and peak flow rate of runoff. They include detention basins, ponds, and swales.
• Filter systems: These systems remove pollutants from the runoff before the water is released into the sewer system or local watercourses. They include wetland systems, filter strips, and vegetated swales.

Planning and Designing Sustainable Drainage Systems

Drainage Cumbria works with developers, architects, and planners to provide sustainable drainage solutions that are tailored to the needs of each development site. Our team is experienced in developing SUDS schemes that meet the requirements of local planning policies and the Sustainable Drainage Systems National Standards for England.

Our approach to designing sustainable drainage systems involves the following steps:

• Assessing the site hydrology and identifying the water management challenges
• Developing a drainage strategy that balances the need for flood risk management, water quality enhancement, and biodiversity
• Identifying the most suitable SUDS techniques and assessing their feasibility
• Preparing drainage designs that include detailed specification and construction drawings
• Providing guidance to contractors during the construction phase

Sustainable Drainage Systems and Development

Sustainable drainage systems are an essential consideration in the design and planning of new developments in Cumbria. Local planning authorities require developers to provide adequate and sustainable drainage systems for new developments.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires that all new developments of more than ten dwellings or on sites of more than one hectare, provide sustainable drainage systems that manage surface water runoff. These requirements apply to both residential and non-residential developments.

Sustainable urban drainage systems are part of the solution to water management challenges in the UK, and their importance is recognized in local and national policies. In Oxfordshire County, for example, SUDS have been successfully implemented in several developments, demonstrating the effectiveness of these systems in mitigating the impact of development on the environment.

Contact Drainage Cumbria

At Drainage Cumbria, we take pride in providing high-quality sustainable drainage solutions to our clients. We are a registered company in England, and we are committed to delivering professional and reliable services that meet the needs of our clients.

If you would like to know more about sustainable drainage systems in Cumbria or require a drainage solution for your development, please feel free to contact us on 01228 734162 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at drainagecumbria.uk for more information about our services.

Privacy and Cookie Policy

Drainage Cumbria respects your privacy and is committed to ensuring that your personal data is handled securely and used appropriately. Our Privacy and Cookie Policy outlines how we collect and use your data and your rights as a data subject. You can review our Privacy and Cookie Policy on our website at any time.