How Sustainable Drainage Can Boost Drought Resilience

As climate change drives both heavier rainfall and prolonged dry spells, SuDS are increasingly viewed as a tool to address both challenges, writes Lorna Davis, director, SuDSPlanter.

With parts of England facing what the National Drought Group describes as a “nationally significant” water shortfall, water companies are responding in line with their drought plans. This includes stepping up action on leakage and communicating with customers on water efficiency – alongside major long-term projects to ensure future supplies.

Less prominent in drought and resource planning is the implementation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). While primarily considered in the context of flood mitigation, SuDS, which are designed to naturally capture, store and release rainwater, can play a meaningful role in tackling water scarcity.

The process of slowing and storing runoff during storms, and encouraging ground infiltration, not only eases pressure on sewer networks, it builds resilience to dry weather in a sustainable way. This forward-looking approach to water stewardship and climate preparedness yields numerous societal and environmental benefits, in addition to its critical role in reducing flood risk.

The potential role of SuDS in water resource planning is acknowledged by the introduction of National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems, which apply to the design of systems for new developments.

Published in July 2025, this governmental guidance from Defra links drought resilience to many of its broader principles – noting that a natural approach to managing water can help meet future resource needs. While not mandatory, the standards encourage a mindset change among developers – from viewing runoff as waste to be disposed of, to a resource to be collected and reused.

SuDS Role In Water Preservation
Many SuDS features – like swales, wetlands, rain gardens and detention basins – slow down and store rainwater rather than sending it straight into drains. This stored water can infiltrate into the ground to recharge aquifers or be used later for irrigation, which helps during dry spells.

Infiltration-focused SuDS like soakaways and permeable pavements allow water to seep into the soil. Over time, this supports groundwater levels, which is crucial for ecosystems and water supplies in drought conditions. Vegetated SuDS like green roofs and rain gardens, help keep local areas cooler and reduce heat stress for plants and people – important in a heatwave.

The soil and planting design in some SuDS is chosen to retain moisture, supporting vegetation during rain-free weeks. Healthy soil holds more moisture and releases it slowly to plants, reducing the need for extra watering in dry periods.

SuDSPlanter systems incorporate a unique nutrient-rich soil mix – made locally to our manufacturing base in Wales - that allows for water infiltration and retention, so plants can thrive in all conditions. The installations, which capture and store rainwater runoff from roofs, were designed to support flood mitigation and drought resilience – a dual functionality that enhances the urban environment in the face of changing weather patterns.

Educational Tool
Just as important as the design aspect, SuDS can be an engaging learning tool and promote behaviour change. Installations, like planters in schools, often include visible, educational elements which build awareness of the value of water.

Over the past two years, SuDSPlanter has supported hundreds of government-funded SuDS in Schools initiatives, from single-unit setups to large-scale green infrastructure projects, working with Southern Water, Yorkshire Water, Surrey County Council and many more. On follow-up visits to schools, what has resonated most is seeing how the planters are being used to enhance the children’s understanding of the water cycle – not just those in eco-clubs, but all pupils – and the pride shown in being part of the project.

As climate pressures intensify, society is rethinking how it manages rainwater. SuDS provide a practical, nature-based solution that brings benefits in both wet and dry conditions. By embedding SuDS more firmly into water resource planning, we can help shift perspectives – recognising runoff not as waste, but as a valuable resource to be captured and reused at scale.

• Lorna and the SuDSPlanter team will be speaking at the ESS Expo, NEC Birmingham, UK, on 18 September 2025, as part of the session ‘Overcoming the Challenges of Monitoring the Effectiveness of SuDS’. The presentation will explore the challenges of monitoring SuDS and how a data-led approach can optimise performance and support better urban water management.