urban drainage

• What is attenuation in the context of SuDS?

  Reducing stormwater volume before drainage
• How is attenuation achieved in SuDS?

  Through components like detention basins and storage tanks
• What is infiltration?

  Water soaking into the ground from the surface
• What enables infiltration in urban areas?

  Permeable paving and infiltration systems
• What is runoff?

  Water flowing over land surfaces
• How do SuDS reduce runoff?

  By mimicking natural drainage processes
• What is interception in the context of SuDS?

  Rainwater caught by vegetation or structures
• Give examples of interception in SuDS.

  Living roofs and tree canopies
• What is a hydrograph?

  A graph showing river discharge over time
• How do SuDS affect hydrographs?

  They flatten hydrographs by slowing runoff
• What is pluvial flooding?

  Flooding from intense rainfall overwhelming drainage
• How do SuDS manage pluvial flooding?

  By increasing infiltration and slowing water flow
• What are impermeable surfaces?

  Urban surfaces preventing water infiltration
• How do SuDS counteract impermeable surfaces?

  By introducing permeable systems
• What are greenfield runoff rates?

  The natural rate of water leaving a site
• What do SuDS aim to replicate in urban environments?

  Greenfield runoff rates
• What are living roofs?

  Vegetated roofs that capture rainwater
• What is the function of living roofs?

  Reduce runoff and improve urban cooling
• What is permeable paving?

  Porous materials allowing water infiltration
• What is the function of permeable paving?

  Reduce surface runoff and recharge groundwater
• What are detention basins?

  Depressions holding stormwater temporarily
• What is the function of detention basins?

  Flatten flood hydrographs by delaying peak discharge
• What are swales?

  Shallow, vegetated channels that filter water
• What is the function of swales?

  Slow water flow and remove pollutants
• What are bioretention systems?

  Landscaped areas filtering stormwater
• What is the function of bioretention systems?

  Improve water quality by filtering contaminants
• What are ponds and wetlands?

  Water bodies managing stormwater and biodiversity
• What is the function of ponds and wetlands?

  Store and slowly release water while creating habitats
• How do SuDS impact drainage basin storage?

  Increase storage capacity, reducing traditional reliance
• How do SuDS mitigate flood hydrographs?

  By reducing peak flow and increasing lag time
• How do SuDS improve urban water quality?

  Filter strips and reed beds remove pollutants
• How do SuDS reduce urban heat island effects?

  Through shading and evapotranspiration
• How do vegetated SuDS improve air quality?

  By capturing particulate matter in urban areas
• How do SuDS address impermeable surfaces?

  By introducing permeability through permeable pavements
• How do SuDS mitigate flood risks?

  By slowing runoff with detention basins and wetlands
• How do SuDS reduce strain on aging infrastructure?

  By incorporating natural processes into urban design
• What environmental benefits do SuDS provide?

  Restore natural hydrological processes and support biodiversity
• What social benefits do SuDS offer?

  Enhance public spaces with multifunctional green infrastructure
• What economic benefits do SuDS provide?

  Reduce long-term maintenance costs compared to traditional systems
• What issues does the Thames River Basin face?

  High population density and impermeable surfaces