ASSESING THE OPORTUNITIES OF DELIVERING SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS IN ROMANIA

Abstract

Rainfall and surface water runoff are valuable resources, and this should be reflected in the way it is managed and used in our cities and towns in Romania. It can provide beauty, enhance biodiversity, improve buildings, places, and spaces. Also, it helps making them more adaptive and resilient to climate change, which is one of the biggest challenges in the world. The SuDS philosophy is about maximising the benefits and minimising the negative impacts of surface water runoff from developed areas. Moreover, SuDS are designed to manage the flood and pollution risks resulting from urban runoff but also to contribute wherever possible to environmental enhancement and place making. With this in mind, the multi-functionality and multiple benefits of SuDS should always be considered. Going forward, in most of the towns and cities there are opportunities to better manage surface water - replacing the old systems that discharge rain and runoff to the drains and sewers with new ones which capture rain, manage surface water runoff, and deliver multiple benefits.