SuDS -- innovation or a tried and tested practice?

There are many obstacles to the implementation of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in England and Wales as a viable alternative to conventional pipe systems. However, in Scotland these obstacles have been largely overcome and many SuDS schemes have been successfully implemented over the past decade. This paper will review SuDS in Scotland and compare the structure of the water companies north and south of the border, which is a major factor in implementing SuDS. Also, case study evidence will be used to show how a successful SuDS scheme was implemented in Aztec West, Bristol, over 20 years ago. This paper was awarded the 2004 James Forrest Medal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]