SRA Annual Report 2020-21: Introduction to Urban Water Management section (Workstream 3) and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

2020-21 Summary

Work continued on the production of Somerset- specific guidance for high quality Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), following the earlier publication of a major SRA review of SuDS across Somerset. Also drawing on lessons from the SuDS review, SuDS have been inspected while sites are being built. Tree pits were installed at Coal Orchard in Taunton. Flood risk reduction works began in Rode.

The main aims of Somerset Rivers Authority’s Urban Water Management workstream are to reduce local flood risks, and to make places better to live and work. The focus is largely on Sustainable Drainage Systems, known as SuDS.

When it rains, SuDS help to control the run-off of water from hard surfaces like roads, roofs and pavements. SuDS use techniques inspired by nature – such as permeable paving and plants and ponds – to absorb water and hold it back. SuDS can make places greener and more attractive, healthier for people and better for wildlife, with less pollution.

Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) wants to see more high-quality SuDS created on new developments and retro-fitted where possible at existing sites. Methods used include encouragement, inspection and demonstration.

Somerset and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

Across Somerset, attenuation basins and underground storage facilities (pictured above and left) are often used to hold water, but local SuDS could do much more.

Well-designed SuDS should look, feel and operate like natural features within a landscape, and they should be easy and safe to maintain.

A lot could be improved if people considered – and committed themselves to – integrating SuDS from the very earliest stages of site design.

New SRA-funded SuDS guidance will help people to create well-designed schemes by outlining clear local requirements, promoting early engagement, and emphasising the multi-functional benefits that can be achieved.

Below are four examples of some Somerset attenuation basins and underground storage facilities.