Resistance is futile: The future of surface water drainage is sustainable

Sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) are composed of different devices either used alone, or fitted together as a train to attenuate the storm peak and allow water to dissipate slowly. They often incorporate porous paving systems, constructed wetlands, swales, vegetated barriers, retention and detention ponds. However, there are barriers to the successful implementation of SUDS, including land take, the maintenance of SUDS, the blocking and clogging of porous paving systems by particulate-associated pollutants, the lack of long term R&D, the fact that SUDS are expensive, bad construction history by early contractors, SUDS systems that utilize open water which raise health and safety issues, and lack of legislation concerning SUDS implementation.