The new SuDS standards in England were published by the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on the 19th of June 2025. They are a welcome step in improving the management of surface water drainage and the pollution from water run-off in England.
SuDS Standards in England
These non-statutory standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are for new developments in England and can be good starting point for retrofit designs. Note, Wales has had SuDS Statutory guidance since 2019.
Rainwater Harvesting
The SuDS standards for England prioritise a natural approach to managing rainwater. Where practicable rainwater should be re-used as a resource on site for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing, garden watering and vehicle washdown. With many areas in England predicted to face severe water stress by 2030 and the Environment Agency warning of England facing a 6 billion litre a day shortfall of water by 2055, it makes sense to use rainfall where ever it is possible to do so.
At 3P Technik we manufacture many Rainwater Harvesting products including Filters and Controllers.
Removal of Pollutants
3P HydroSystem filters water run-off prior to discharge to a river or watercourse.
The management or everyday rainfall and also extreme rainfall that causes flooding is defined within the guidance in the Standard 2 and 3 sections respectively.
Pollution carried in rainfall and stormwater from carparks and industrial sites is addressed in Standard 4: Water Quality. Managing surface water runoff at or close to the surface and within a SuDS treatment train is clearly required. This can include proprietary treatment devices when pollution levels necessitate such measures. At 3P Technik we manufacture many SuDS Proprietary Treatment Devices. This requirement demands that water quality from carparks and industrial sites be properly managed and key pollutants be removed prior to discharge, creating healthy and resilient spaces for people and wildlife.
The new standards also focus on maximizing the development of multifunctional spaces and promoting a net gain in biodiversity, as outlined in Standards 5 and 6.
Maintenance of SuDS Infrastructure
Maintenance is crucial to the SuDS system performing as intended. Standard 7 outlines the necessity of a management and maintenance plan, which must be adhered to by the owners, occupiers, and operators or maintainers of the SuDS system. This section also defines who is responsible for maintenance in both single and multiple property scenarios.
Other Considerations
Along with the above guidance the following should also be considered when designing a SuDS system in England:
- The Land Drainage Act 1991
- The Water Industry Act 1991
- The Flood and Water Management Act 2010
- The Building Regulations 2010
- The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (EPR)
Early engagement with the Local Planning Authority (LPA) is also highly desirable. Other relevant stakeholders such as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) Environment Agency, Natural England, Highways Authorities, Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), the sewerage undertaker and the Canal and River Trust should be approached as appropriate.
Further Information
You can find the full National Standards for SuDS (England) on the gov.uk website.
At 3P Technik we are always happy to review and discuss rainwater harvesting products and water quality treatment designs. Our suite of devices can be used either on their own or in a treatment train with green infrastructure. Contact us with your requirements.