Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)

Sustainable drainage systems – known as 'SuDS' – are a way of managing rainfall that mimics how water naturally drains in the environment, rather than relying solely on pipes and drains.

SuDS plays an important role in reducing the impact of development on communities and the environment.

Benefits of SuDS

SuDS provide a wide range of benefits over conventional drainage systems.

Reduced flood risk

SuDS features slow down the flow of rainwater from a site by filtering and storing it. This reduces pressure on the drainage system and therefore should reduce the risk of flooding, especially after heavy rainfall.

This is particularly important as the drainage system is under increasing pressure due to development and the likely increased risk of heavy rainfall from climate change.

Improved water quality

SuDS features – such as rain gardens, swales, wetlands, green roofs and permeable paving – filter and clean rainwater at its location.

This helps ensure that better quality water enters sewers and drains that discharge into rivers by removing oil and pollutants which can harm wildlife.

Benefits for people and wildlife

SuDS create opportunities for rainwater recycling and creating attractive water features which can support wildlife. SuDS can reduce the need for upgrading conventional drainage systems and can therefore provide cost savings.

Delivering SuDS

A SuDS feature can mimic natural drainage processes to manage the water and reduce the effect on the quality and quantity of run-off water, while providing biodiversity benefits.

This differs from conventional drainage systems where rainwater runs off hard surfaces straight into drains and sewers and can then discharge into rivers, sometimes carrying pollutants. 

SuDS features can also involve a range of techniques, such as rainwater harvesting and landscape features like ponds and wetlands.

There is a SuDS solution for every situation.

Haringey drainage sustainable evaluation guide

Download the Haringey SUDS design evaluation guide (pdf, 76 page(s), 14.17 MB).

SuDS schemes and proposals

Find out about sustainable drainage schemes and proposals in Haringey.