Definitions and FAQs

These are methods that use natural processes and ecosystems to manage and control water. Examples include wetlands restoration, which revitalises natural water filters and habitats; rain gardens, which use soil and plants to absorb and filter rainwater; and permeable surfaces, such as porous pavements, that allow water to infiltrate into the ground instead of running off into storm drains.

These techniques help mitigate flooding by slowing down and capturing water, improving water quality, and supporting biodiversity. By mimicking natural hydrological processes, these methods provide sustainable and resilient solutions to urban water management challenges.

SUDS, or Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, are a range of water management practices designed to control surface water runoff in urban areas. Unlike traditional drainage systems that quickly channel rainwater away into sewers and rivers, SUDS aim to replicate natural water processes to manage rainfall more sustainably.

Techniques include permeable pavements, green roofs, rain gardens, and swales, which allow water to infiltrate the ground, be stored for later use, or be slowly released into watercourses. SUDS help to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, and provide attractive and functional green spaces within urban environments.

Surface water flooding occurs when heavy rainfall overwhelms the drainage capacity of an area, leading to the accumulation of water on the surface. This type of flooding can happen anywhere, even in areas not near rivers or other water bodies, and is often exacerbated by impermeable surfaces like concrete and asphalt in urban environments.

Surface water flooding can cause significant damage to properties, infrastructure, and the environment. Preventative measures include improving drainage systems, increasing permeable surfaces, implementing SUDS, and creating green infrastructure to absorb and manage rainwater more effectively.

Groundwater flooding occurs when the water table, or the level of water stored underground in soil and rocks, rises to the surface or above normal levels, leading to flooding. This type of flooding typically happens after prolonged periods of heavy rainfall, when the ground becomes saturated and can no longer absorb additional water.

Groundwater flooding can affect basements, underground utilities, and low-lying areas, and it often persists longer than surface water flooding because it depends on the slow movement and drainage of groundwater. Managing groundwater flooding involves monitoring water tables, improving drainage, and utilizing natural and engineered solutions to control water levels.

Flood resilience is the capacity of individuals, communities, and systems to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from flooding events. This involves not only physical measures, such as building flood defenses and enhancing drainage systems but also community planning, awareness, and preparedness. It includes actions like creating emergency response plans, educating the public about flood risks, and promoting land-use practices that reduce flood impacts.

Flood resilience aims to minimise the damage and disruption caused by floods, ensuring that communities can bounce back quickly and continue to thrive despite the challenges posed by flooding.

Nature-based solutions are sustainable strategies that utilise natural processes and ecosystems to address environmental challenges, such as flooding, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Examples include restoring wetlands to enhance water filtration and flood control, planting trees to improve air quality and provide shade, and creating green roofs and walls to reduce urban heat. These solutions offer multiple benefits, including enhanced ecosystem services, increased biodiversity, and improved human well-being. By integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning and development, communities can create more resilient, healthy, and sustainable environments that are better equipped to cope with the impacts of climate change.

Wetland restoration involves rehabilitating degraded or destroyed wetlands to return them to their natural state, improving their ecological functions and benefits. Wetlands act as natural water filters, flood control systems, and habitats for a diverse range of species. Restoration efforts may include reestablishing native vegetation, reconnecting waterways, removing invasive species, and addressing pollution sources.

By restoring wetlands, we enhance their ability to absorb and slow down floodwaters, filter pollutants, and provide critical habitats for wildlife. Wetland restoration contributes to increased biodiversity, improved water quality, and greater ecosystem resilience, supporting both environmental health and community well-being.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. It encompasses the genetic diversity within species, the variety of species within ecosystems, and the range of ecosystems in a particular area. High biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem health and stability, as it enhances resilience to environmental changes and disturbances.

Biodiversity supports essential ecological processes like pollination, nutrient cycling, and natural pest control. In the context of Project Sponge, promoting biodiversity through natural water management techniques helps create more robust and sustainable environments that can better withstand and adapt to the impacts of climate change.