Brief
Explore how permeable paving, a SuDS technique, aids in flood management in the UK, its role in sustainable drainage, and the forthcoming legal mandates surrounding it.
Insight
The increasing risk of floods in the UK brings attention to the importance of sustainable flood management solutions. Permeable paving emerges as a notable solution to this looming threat. This system, rather than allowing water to pool, permits it to seep into the ground below, mitigating the risk of surface water flooding. Classified under sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), the adoption of such techniques will become a legal necessity for new constructions in the coming year.
Permeable paving provides a robust surface suitable for both vehicles and pedestrians, simultaneously facilitating rainwater to permeate through and soak into the underbelly structure. Various materials, including gravel, porous concrete, and permeable interlocking concrete pavers, are utilised in its construction. Popular for driveways and parking areas, these pavers offer a two-fold benefit: a sturdy driving surface and efficient water drainage.
These paving systems not only manage water runoff post-rain but also possess the capability to treat certain pollutants present in the runoff. They further aid in replenishing groundwater, offering environmental benefits. Contrarily, a soakaway, another SuDS technique, incorporates underground structures for collecting and dispersing water into the soil, enhancing natural drainage.
One of the primary advantages of permeable paving lies in its capacity to absorb and temporarily store rainwater, ensuring gradual seepage into the soil or slow drainage into sewers. This curtails the velocity and volume of surface runoff, significantly reducing the risk of flooding and alleviating pressure on existing drainage systems.
While permeable paving offers benefits like groundwater recharge and pollution control, its efficiency is contingent upon apt design, installation, and regular maintenance. It’s an integral part of the SuDS toolkit, and its inclusion can help meet the impending legal requirements for SuDS in new constructions.
This push towards mandatory SuDS implementation stems from the Flood and Water Management Act of 2010, enacted in the wake of major flooding events, including the 2007 floods that wreaked havoc on properties and infrastructure. The act’s objective is to bolster flood management strategies, curbing surface water flooding and sewage pollution, thus promoting responsible water management.
Highlight
- This system, rather than allowing water to pool, permits it to seep into the ground below, mitigating the risk of surface water flooding.
- Various materials, including gravel, porous concrete, and permeable interlocking concrete pavers, are utilised in its construction.
- One of the primary advantages of permeable paving lies in its capacity to absorb and temporarily store rainwater, ensuring gradual seepage into the soil or slow drainage into sewers.
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