Retrofitting to manage surface water

As urban areas develop, natural drainage processes change. Paved areas are constructed and piped drainage systems built, yet they deprive communities of the many benefits of natural drainage processes. A different approach is needed to managing surface water runoff to sustain communities that are pleasant and vibrant places to live in. This guidance sets out a process to achieve this. It challenges many of the current conventions employed to manage surface water runoff and integrates the principles of urban design with surface water management.