Clean up drainage from roads and buildings

During heavy rainfall, water pouring off roofs and roads washes pollution from our towns straight into natural waterways. There are cheap and effective measures to hold this water back, reduce flood risk, and treat it before it contaminates rivers and wetlands.

Construct modern drainage systems that prevent pollution entering rivers from buildings and roads

1. By 2007, DCLG must reform Planning Guidance and Building Regulations to make Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) the standard method of disposing of surface water.
   
2. By 2009, DCLG and Defra must decide who is legally responsible for the construction and maintenance of SUDS.
   
3. In the 2009 price review, Ofwat should encourage water companies to provide grants and educational material to help remove sources of diffuse urban pollutants like heavy metals, solvents and fats.
   
4. By 2012, local authorities, the Highways Agency and water companies should launch a major programme installing SUDS in built-up areas where surface run-off causes pollution.