PorousPave -
the essential resource for porous paving

Porous paving has been specially designed to alleviate the problems associated with the failings of conventional stormwater drainage systems, which have become painfully evident with the increasingly regular occurrence of major flood events. These issues have been further exacerbated by on-going development and climate change which is estimated to increase the volume of annual rainfall by 20 to 40% within the next 50 years.
 
As a consequence, the recent European Water Framework Directive now requires that we must manage our water resources in a more sustainable way and provide an enhanced level of protection to water quality.

This requirement has necessitated a fundamental change in the overall approach to drainage design with the primary aim of replicating natural processes.
 
This can be achieved by the use of sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) incorporating source control techniques which endeavour to mimic the natural movement of stormwater from a development, reducing flood risk, enhancing water quality and providing an improved environment.

The benefits of using SUDS in terms of minimizing flood risk are now well recognized by local authorities and national government (such as PPS25 Planning Policy Statement 25 Development & Flood Risk) which promote and endorse the use of SUDS on all new development. In addition correctly designed porous pavements can provide petrol / oil interception in accordance with PPG3 (Pollution Prevention Guidelines) without the need for expensive conventional separators.
 
As a direct result of the devastating floods the UK experienced in the summer of 2007, the Government has introduced the Flood and Water Management Bill. The Bill has a number of objectives and aims to reduce the likelihood and impacts of flooding; improve our ability to manage the risk of flooding; improve water quality; give water companies better powers to conserve water during drought; reduce red tape and other burdens on water and sewerage companies; improve the overall efficiency and management of the industry; and reduce pollution and improve water quality.

Sustainable drainage is a key focus of the Bill, which will see an end to the automatic right to connect to sewers for surface water drainage and require developers to put SUDS in place in new developments wherever practicable. Connection will be conditional on meeting new national standards on SUDS and drainage and the water industry will be heavily involved in developing these standards moving forward.
 
New SUDS will be adopted and maintained by local authorities, who will be tasked the responsibility of protecting local flood defence and drainage features, such as ditches, soakaways and other natural watercourses.
 
The Bill follows on from the recommendations of Sir Michael Pitt’s report published in June 2008 and is the framework for the UK’s “Future Water” Strategy which was launched in February 2008. The Government believes that the overall effect of implementing such practices will be a healthier environment, better service and greater protection against water damage for people, their homes, communities and businesses.