Flood and Water Management Act Schedule 3

Schedule 3 has been introduced to the Flood and Water Management Act to mandate that all new developments must incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to manage runoff water effectively.

In the ever-evolving field of construction and environmental engineering, the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) is more than just a trend—it’s a necessity. With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and urban flooding, the importance of effective drainage design has never been more critical. The UK government’s introduction of Schedule 3 to the Flood & Water Management Act has further emphasised this need, mandating the integration of SuDS in new developments to mitigate flood risks and manage surface water effectively.

Key provisions are

• Mandatory SuDS: All new developments over a certain size must include SuDS in their design.
• Approval from SuDS Approval Bodies (SABs): Developers are required to obtain approval from local SuDS Approval Bodies before construction can commence.
• Long-term maintenance: SuDS must be designed with long-term maintenance in mind, ensuring that they remain functional and effective over time.