For new development sites as well as existing urbanised areas, we provide consultations related to comprehensive water management. We aim to mimic natural runoff conditions as closely as possible and create conditions close to the natural environment.
What we do in this area
We provide consultations related to comprehensive water management – both for areas that are only being prepared for development and for existing built-up parts of towns and cities.
Comprehensive water management is based on the effort to maximise the mimicry of natural runoff conditions and to create conditions close to the natural environment.
Who the consultations are for
- New development sites
- Existing urbanised areas
What the resulting solutions should be
- Safe
- Environmentally friendly
- Bringing comfort to residents
- Intelligent and practical
Background
Why water in an area needs a comprehensive approach
Development changes the natural water cycle. Roofs, roads and car parks replace soil and vegetation, so rainwater infiltrates less, runs off faster and puts a greater load on sewers and watercourses. At the same time, less water evaporates and cools the surroundings.
A comprehensive approach therefore does not treat rainwater, watercourses, water supply and sewerage as separate problems but as one interconnected system. Decisions made at the planning stage determine how an area will perform during ordinary rainfall as well as during extreme storms.
Background
Nature-based principles
Nature-based solutions aim to make water in a developed area behave much as it did before development – infiltrating, being retained and evaporating where it falls, and running off more slowly.
Commonly used elements
- Infiltration areas and rain gardens
- Green roofs and permeable surfaces
- Retention and storage tanks
- Open swales and channels instead of closed pipes
