Slow, manage and clean drainage from roads and buildings

The Flood and Water Management Act (2010) should unlock many of the barriers that have prevented the use of Sustainable Drainage systems (SuDs). However, questions remain about long-term funding while the enabling legislation and guidance have yet to be published.

Create a modern urban drainage network that can mitigate surface water flooding and trap pollution. 

• By 2011, Defra should identify long-term funding streams for the adoption and maintenance of SuDs by local authorities.
• By 2012, Defra should ensure that National Standards for SuDs integrate and promote their potential wildlife and amenity benefits.
• By 2012, local authorities should promote the benefits and opportunities of retrofitting SuDs to householders and businesses.
• By 2014, local authorities, the Highways Agency and water companies should launch a major SuDs retrofitting programme in areas where surface run-off and sewer overflow is causing pollution and flooding. 

Blueprint members will contribute to the development of the National Standards, and provide advice to homeowners, business, water companies and local authorities on how to maximise the wildlife benefits of SuDs.