These pages outline the role of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in Wales and describe the work of the SuDS Working Party for Wales in driving forward the implementation of schemes here. Advice is also provided on how SuDS structures can be implemented. A number of resources are also available to download (right) to provide background and guidance on SuDS. The SuDS matrix is a particularly useful tool in offering model agreements on how devices may be adopted.
SuDS offer us the opportunity to better manage surface water drainage at all levels. The Working Party's SuDS Flyer (see Resources, right) gives an overview of SuDS principles, the design guidance available, and describes issues associated with costs and safety of these systems. Member organisations of the Working Party are also listed with key contact details. The websites of these organisations can also be found by clicking here and following the links.
The Need for SuDS
SuDS are drainage solutions that mimic natural drainage regimes, thus reducing the impact of flooding and pollution on receiving water bodies. SuDS utilise drainage principles that are well established but they are often perceived to be innovative solutions to drainage problems (a paper, 'SuDS - Innovation or a Tried and Tested Practice? ' examines these issues and can be downloaded from Resources, right).
 This perception is largely because piped drainage systems have been preferred in the past, because they have been designed to remove surface water from developed sites as quickly as possible, largely ignoring water quality and its amenity value. There is also a framework for adoption of these systems that is well established and developers, local authorities, water companies and other interested parties often prefer to take this route because the risks are well known and understood. However, times are changing and there is now a much greater appreciation of the need for development to become much more sustainable.
SuDS are designed to mimic the natural drainage regime of an area, thus minimising impact on receiving watercourses. The term SuDS covers a range of sustainable urban drainage facilities from end of pipe facilities such as wetlands or retention ponds, to source control systems such as soakaways and permeable surfaces. Where possible, it is recommended that surface water is controlled at source so that the water is returned to the natural drainange system as close to where it falls as possible, maintaining the drainage regime.
Using SuDS for the disposal of surface water run-off from impermeable areas has the following advantages:
Safety Concerns
SuDS often utilise the natural landscaping to attenuate surface water flows. SuDS devices such as ponds do present a potential danger to children. SuDS design principles recognise this and the designs are intended to minimise this risk. This is achieved by designing the devices with shallow water depths, no sudden depth changes, gently sloping sides and even barrier planting to prevent easy access to the water.
Where appropriate, open water may also be fenced to prevent access. Individual developers and local authorities need to decide on their approach to this issue.
SuDS Working Party for Wales
   The SuDS Working Party for Wales has been set up to include members of all the relevant authorities and stakeholders to work in partnership to promote SuDS in Wales. The key objectives of the Working Party are:
- Protect the environment;
 Agree responsibilities for SuDS;
- Promote the management train concept;
- Encourage re-use of water;
- Influence legislation;
- To monitor the performance of SuDS;
- Provide a source of expertise;
- Provide a focus for SuDS in Wales;
  Educate stakeholders and the public.
They key to raising the awareness of SuDS is education. The Working Party is active in this area. The SuDS flyer is available to download (right) and is being distributed by Local Authorities to raise awareness. Presentations are made around the UK and channelled through Planning Departments, and the creation of this website, which includes a SuDS database, provides access to relevant SuDS material and sites where schemes have been implemented in Wales.
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