An Overture of Sustainable Surface Water Management

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. Based on an understanding of the movement of water in the natural environment, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) can be designed to restore or mimic natural infiltration patterns, so that they can reduce the risk of urban flooding by decreasing runoff volumes and attenuating peak flows. In the UK, for instance, SuDS is the most widely used term; whereas elsewhere in the world other relevant terms include surface water management measures (SWMMs), green infrastructure, green building design, stormwater control measures (SCMs), best management practices (BMPs), low impact development (LID) and water sensitive urban design (WSUD). This chapter discusses the flexibility and multi-functional nature of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). This book emphasises the SuDS philosophy and elaborates the sustainable surface water management agenda with a wealth of insights that are brought together through the experts who have contributed.