Could our cities handle rain like nature does?

Rain shouldn’t be a problem, but in most cities, it is.

Concrete streets rush water into drains. Systems overflow. Flooding follows. And we keep building the same way.

There’s a smarter approach: Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).

1. They stop floods before they start

By holding and slowing rainwater, SuDS reduce pressure on drainage systems when it matters most.

2. They clean water as it moves

Soil and plants filter out pollutants—turning runoff into a resource, not a risk.

3. They build climate resilience

As storms intensify, SuDS help cities adapt without relying solely on expensive grey infrastructure.

4. They bring nature back into cities

Green roofs, rain gardens, and wetlands create space for biodiversity to thrive.

5. They cool the urban heat

Vegetation lowers temperatures, making streets more comfortable and liveable.

6. They make cities more human

Beautiful, green spaces replace sterile concrete – improving wellbeing and everyday experience.

7. They save money long-term

Flexible, scalable, and often cheaper to maintain than traditional drainage systems.

SuDS work with nature, not against it.

Slowing down the water cycle is one of the best things we can do for the resilience of our cities in the coming years.

Let it soak in. Clean it naturally. Reuse it where possible.

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Join us at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13)- where global leaders, urban planners, and communities converge to co-create inclusive, safe, and resilient cities for everyone.

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