Sustainable Drainage
Conventional drainage aims to direct water away from an area as
quickly as possible to prevent water logging and flooding. If not
controlled, river levels rise faster and higher, particularly
downstream of large urban areas. Plus, any harmful chemicals, oil,
dirt and soil can be washed into the watercourse, where they can
harm wildlife and potentially human health.
The Sustainable Drainage System (SUDS) encourages drainage
to follow the natural pattern of runoff from an area. A strategy
lead by Ashford Borough Council plans to identify opportunities to
implement this system for Ashford.
An integrated water management system can not only help control
flood risk, but can also help control pollution, provide valuable
wildlife habitat and an attractive public open space.