Urban Drainage

Question 1

Urban hydrology

Answer 1

Precipitation falls greater in urban areas.
More surface runoff due to less infiltration of interception

Question 2

Hard engineering

Answer 2

Positives
Prevents flooding
Ensures water supply
Negatives
Expensive
Can disrupt natural ecosystems
Alter wildlife habitats

Question 3

Soft engineering

Answer 3

Cheap
Use of knowledge of the river basin and processes to work with nature

Question 4

Hard engineering strategies

Answer 4

River straightening
Natural levees
River channelisation

Question 5

Soft engineering

Answer 5

Afforestation
Riverbank conservation
Floodplain zoning

Question 6

Suds help to

Answer 6

Slow down surface runoff
Reduce risk of sewer flooding
Prevent water pollution
Create green spaces

Question 7

Examples of suds

Answer 7

Roof water is collected in water butts for use in gardens
Permeable block paving
Detention ponds - swales and basins fill up during heavy rainfall and store water