There are a myriad of requirements with which designers of all drainage systems must comply and SUDS can provide many of the solutions. There are apparently so many requirements that they may appear both confusing and daunting.

This paper is not a substitute for a thorough knowledge of the contents of the references listed in the bibliography. However I hope that it will provide some milestones and help to make sense of the growing complexity of drainage design. .

In the first part I have listed some of the essential elements for compliance and I have given the underlying philosophy behind them. An understanding of the objectives behind the requirements should foster support for what are difficult targets.

I have used an example to illustrate the steps in a systematic approach to design that will lead the engineer through this maize and produce a design that is fully compliant with the current Best Management Practices. In particular it will address the Environment Agency’s and Water Company’s requirements on levels of protection.

Reprinted with Permission from Micro Drainage//