This summer the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) released a scoping study report that examines current and potential Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) in the UK. According to the report, “WSUD aims to give greater priority to water management considerations during the initial conception of developed areas while optimizing the opportunities for delivering benefits to communities and the natural environment.” The report demonstrates the need for WSUD and establishes the benefits of such an approach.

The report also covers the current level of WSUD application in the UK and includes a review of applications in the U.S., Australia, and other countries. Finally, the report examines how WSUD interfaces with current regulations and provides recommendations for a path forward. The report is accompanied by a video and WSUD ideas booklet.