SUDS Components

Here are a few examples of SUDs techniques which effectively slow down and treat runoff water.

• Permeable surfaces – specially designed block work which allows passage of water through its surface to storage or soakaway.
• Filter strips – Strips of grass bordering which are designed to receive water from hard-standings. The strips remove sediment and pollution from runoff water.
• Swales – Shallow sided ditches which are planted with grass. Designed to slow the passage of water.
• Bioretention areas – short term water storage areas, often planted with shrubs and trees.
• Sedimentation ponds and basins – Longer term storage of runoff.