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Table 8.1 European examples of SUDS and their components

From: Making the Case for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems as a Nature-Based Solution to Urban Flooding

Lamb Drove, Cambourne, United Kingdom a

A demonstrative SUDS scheme was implemented in a residential development area in Cambourne to highlight innovative sustainable water management techniques within new developments. A variety of SUDS elements were implemented across the one hectare site, including permeable paving, green roofs, swales, filter strips, wetlands, and a retention pond. Results indicate e.g., improvements in biodiversity and water quality leaving the site, increased amenity and social values and cost savings to residents by avoiding stormwater disposal charges. Furthermore, the project concludes that many aspects of SUDS can be installed and maintained at lower costs than more traditional forms of drainage.

Valencia, Spain

Within the framework of the EU-funded AQUAVAL project, SUDS (infiltration basin, green roof, swales, etc.) were implemented in six sites across the Valencian region. The measures came as a response to shortcomings of the existing urban sewer system, which insufficiently abated frequent rainfall and caused pluvial flooding and the discharge of combined sewage into the receiving water courses. Monitoring results showed that SUDS performed well hydraulically under Mediterranean climate conditions and improve the water quality.

Monnikenhuizen, Arnhem, Netherlands

The Monnikenhuizen study site was selected for its unique and challenging topographic and contextual conditions for utilizing SUDS , as it is located on a hill and surrounded by forests and contains 204 residences. On a small scale, greenroofs and permeable parking lots were created; on a larger scale, water from the road is led via gutters to an infiltration and storage pond.

  1. Text/photo sources: Pledger n.d. (UK); Perales-Momparler et al. 2016/ Perales-Momparler 2012 (Spain); 2BG 2008 (Netherlands)
  2. aThe project was part of a European funded programme (FLOWS), which featured 40 projects throughout Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK