Tackling floods and water waste

A flooded road - a new report says we need to look to nature to protect against flooding and water waste. We need to look to nature for help so new homes are resilient to climate change according to a new report to MPs and policymakers. The report, co-written by our geographers, says England could run out of water by 2050 as a result of climate change and increased demand from new housing developments if we don't act. Many regions that suffer from too little water during the summer also experience problems with too much water at other times of year. High flood risk One in six properties in England are at risk of flooding, and since 2013 85,000 new homes have been built in areas of high flood risk. The report makes a number of recommendations including: The use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and other nature-based solutions to replace traditional drainage systems in new developments to conserve water, provide beautiful outdoor space that supports community well-being, and help nature to thrive. SuDS are slow stores of flood waters, especially from roofs and roads, where water is intercepted by vegetation and then stored in temporary ponds.