Why Your Drainage Designer Is Costing You More Money Than You Think
One failed infiltration test can push a whole site onto full attenuation. Here's how whole-site investigation and zoned SuDS design can halve your tank volume, with a worked example.
The NW SuDS Pro-forma: What It Is, Why LLFAs Want It, and How to Get It Right
Local Planning Authorities across the North West are asking for the NW SuDS Pro-forma with planning applications more and more. We explain what it is, why LLFAs and United Utilities introduced it, and how source control design, including interception and infiltration, can get your drainage strategy approved and reduce storage requirements.
4D SuDS: Designing for the Future of Sustainable Drainage
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are crucial for managing surface water, reducing flood risk, and improving water quality in urban environments. Traditionally, SuDS are designed and implemented in three dimensions—carefully planned to optimise space, depth, and flow capacity. However, an often-overlooked factor is the fourth dimension: time.
Biohacking Rain Gardens: Enhancing Sustainable Drainage with Biochar
Rain gardens are a key component of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), helping to manage surface water runoff, reduce urban flooding, and improve water quality. However, as cities face increasing climate pressures, engineers and ecologists are exploring innovative ways to improve their performance. One promising approach is “biohacking” rain gardens—enhancing their natural processes through strategic soil amendments. Among these, biochar stands out as a powerful tool to optimise soil health, increase water retention, and boost pollutant filtration.