How do I carry out a water cycle study? FAQ Glossary and sources of information Outline study Scoping study detailed study What is water cycle planning? Water Cycle Study Guidance The purpose of this document is to assist Local Authorities in commissioning water cycle studies (WCS). It also provides useful information for water companies, developers and other partners involved in water cycle studies to help them understand why and when they should be part of a water cycle study. It provides guidance on the purpose, scope and process for undertaking such studies. Water cycle studies always need to be adapted to local considerations, therefore this guidance is not prescriptive. The approach this guidance sets out, however, forms current best practice. CONTENTS We would welcome your comments on this guidance. Please email your comments to: watercyclestudies@halcrow.com Click here for help in using this document The Environment Agency would like to thank for their assistance in developing and producing this guidance. Product Code GEO0109BPFF-E-E WHAT IS WATER CYCLE PLANNING? This section provides the policy basis for water cycle studies, and advises why a water cycle study is needed, and how it will help stakeholders. HOW DO I CARRY OUT A WCS? This section identifies when a water cycle study is needed, who needs to be involved, and what needs to be done SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION This section provides detailed technical information on the different elements of a water cycle study CASE STUDIES & TOOLS This section provides information from real life case studies, and some example outputs from previous studies FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) DATA SOURCES This section identifies what sources of information are available and should be considered to inform the water cycle study GLOSSARY How do I carry out a water cycle study? FAQ Glossary and sources of information Outline study Scoping study detailed study What is water cycle planning? 2 How to use this document You can navigate around the document by using the links provided on each page. These links are underlined. Some images contain links. You can reach these links by clicking on the image. The main sections of the guidance are shown below. To move between sections the links on the left hand of every page can be used. At the top of each page are links to navigate to the key stages in the water cycle process. Also, each page contains links to relevant frequently asked questions and to more detailed guidance. Use the contents table below, or the links at the top of the page to start. CONTENTS We would welcome your comments on this guidance. Please email your comments to: watercyclestudies@halcrow.com WHAT IS WATER CYCLE PLANNING? This section provides the policy basis for water cycle studies, and advises why a water cycle study is needed, and how it will help stakeholders. HOW DO I CARRY OUT A WCS? This section identifies when a water cycle study is needed, who needs to be involved, and what needs to be done SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION This section provides detailed technical information on the different elements of a water cycle study CASE STUDIES & TOOLS This section provides information from real life case studies, and some example outputs from previous studies FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) DATA SOURCES This section identifies what sources of information are available and should be considered to inform the water cycle study GLOSSARY Further information How do I carry out a water cycle study? FAQ Glossary and sources of information Outline study Scoping study detailed study What is water cycle planning? IN THIS SECTION Introduction What is a water cycle study? Water cycle planning policy Why is a water cycle study needed? How do we make development sustainable? What is the water cycle? When is a water cycle study needed? Integration with other plans and policies OTHER SECTIONS 1. WHAT IS WATER CYCLE PLANNING? 2. HOW DO I CARRY OUT A WCS? 3. SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) 5. CASE STUDIES & TOOLS 6. DATA SOURCES 7. GLOSSARY 3 Introduction The issue Building new homes is not simply a matter of constructing the buildings themselves. To operate effectively as a home, and as part of a wider community, each building is also dependant on a range of services, and the infrastructure necessary to provide these. A critical component of this infrastructure is associated with water; the provision of clean water for drinking and washing; the safe disposal of waste water; and protection from flooding. The addition of a small number of new homes may not represent a significant additional burden on existing water infrastructure. However when large numbers of houses are built, there is a risk that existing infrastructure will be overwhelmed, and both the environment and people's quality of life, will suffer. The Government has a long term target that 3 million new homes will be built by 2020 1 . This will require the fastest rate of building since the late 1960s. Providing the required water infrastructure for this degree of housing growth will require careful planning. Planning for water There is a finite capacity within the environment, and it cannot simply provide more and more water. Equally, there is a limit to the amount of waste water that can be safely returned to our rivers and the sea without having a detrimental impact on the environment. Furthermore, we know that extreme rainfall can overwhelm drains and overtop flood defences. Climate change is bringing fresh challenges as patterns of rainfall are predicted to change, with more intense rainfall events. We must also make sure that water infrastructure contributes to the shift to a low carbon economy that is essential if greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced. Planning for water has to take into account these natural constraints, and factors such as the timing and location imposed by the development itself. The optimum solution for a given locality may be to adjust the location, timing or nature of new development. For example, it may be more cost effective to improve the water efficiency of new and existing houses rather than build a new water supply reservoir, or to build houses outside of the floodplain rather than build costly flood protection. A water cycle study will identify tensions between growth proposals and environmental requirements, and identify potential solutions to addressing them. Effective planning and close cooperation between all parties involved is essential to the success of a water cycle study. One of the most important benefits of a WCS is that it allows all the key organisations to work together in the planning process and builds confidence between parties. A water cycle study (WCS) will help to plan for water more sustainably by: • bringing together all partners and stakeholders existing knowledge, understanding and skills; • bringing together all water and planning evidence under a single framework; • understanding the environmental and physical constraints to development; • working alongside green infrastructure planning to identify opportunities for more sustainable planning, and; • identifying water cycle planning policies and a water cycle strategy to help all partners plan for a sustainable future water environment. Click here for more information on planning policy and green infrastructure planning Further information 1 Homes for the future: more affordable, more sustainable—Housing Green Paper Further information How do I carry out a water cycle study? FAQ Glossary and sources of information Outline study Scoping study detailed study What is water cycle planning? IN THIS SECTION Introduction What is a water cycle study? Water cycle planning policy Why is a water cycle study needed? How do we make development sustainable? What is the water cycle? When is a water cycle study needed? Integration with other plans and policies OTHER SECTIONS 1. WHAT IS WATER CYCLE PLANNING? 2. HOW DO I CARRY OUT A WCS? 3. SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) 5. CASE STUDIES & TOOLS 6. DATA SOURCES 7. GLOSSARY Water cycle planning policy Standards and legislation to protect water and the environment are changing in a way that requires a partnership approach to deliver infrastructure through strategic ways of working. In particular, Planning Policy Statements 1, 3, 12, 23 and 25 all emphasise the importance of environmental sustainability and delivering water infrastructure to achieve it. In the UK*, we can experience both periods of drought and extensive flooding. This, coupled with forecast population growth and the potential impact of climate change, has led to an increased emphasis on integrated water management in regional spatial strategies and emerging guidance from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG). Future Water Future Water (published February 2008) sets out the Government’s vision for water in England in 2030. The strategy sets out an integrated approach to the sustainable management of all aspects of the water cycle, from rainfall and drainage, through to treatment and discharge. The strategy focuses on practical ways to achieve the vision to ensure sustainable use of water from the perspective of people, businesses and the environment. Specific aspects of the water sector considered in Future Water are: • Water demand; • Water supply; • Water quality, and • Flooding (river, coastal, surface water and groundwater flooding). The strategy also sets out the vision to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and discusses the regulatory framework for the water industry. It looks at the adaptability of our water environment to climate change and other pressures on the water cycle. The aim is to ensure sustainable delivery of water supplies, and help improve the water environment for future generations. Making space for water Making Space for Water (MSfW), launched in 2004, outlines the Government strategy for the next 20 years to implement a more holistic approach to managing flood and coastal erosion risks in England. The policy aims to reduce the threat of flooding to people and property, and to deliver the greatest environmental, social and economic benefit. MSfW considers all sources of flooding in determining flood risk, and ensures that climate change becomes a fundamental part of flood and coastal erosion management decisions. The holistic approach considered by MSfW includes: • Better management of risk; • Land use planning through the planning system (including PPS25); • Environmental issues such as creation of wetland, and managed realignment; • Integrated Urban Drainage (IUD) management, and; • Coastal issues. River Basin Management Plans In England, River Basin Management Plans will identify what needs to be done by the Environment Agency and others to implement a Programme of Measures to achieve ‘good status’ (ecological, chemical and physical) in designated water bodies. The first Plan is in preparation for completion by 2015. Click here for more information on river basin management plans . Planning portal—a useful guide to the planning system, planning reform, and the local development framework process Future Water * This guidance document, and the policies it describes relates specifically to England. Whilst the document is not directly applicable to Wales because of the different planning framework, the principles underlying a water cycle study are relevant to Wales Further information How do I carry out a water cycle study? FAQ Glossary and sources of information Outline study Scoping study detailed study What is water cycle planning? IN THIS SECTION Introduction What is a water cycle study? Water cycle planning policy Why is a water cycle study needed? How do we make development sustainable? What is the water cycle? When is a water cycle study needed? Integration with other plans and policies OTHER SECTIONS 1. WHAT IS WATER CYCLE PLANNING? 2. HOW DO I CARRY OUT A WCS? 3. SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) 5. CASE STUDIES & TOOLS 6. DATA SOURCES 7. GLOSSARY 5 Water cycle planning policy Planning policy statements and planning policy guidance Planning policy in the UK is set by Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) formerly called Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPGs). They explain statutory guidelines and advise local authorities and others on planning policy and operation of the planning system. PPSs also explain the relationship between planning policies and other policies which have an important bearing on issues of development and land use. Planners must take these into account in preparing development plans. The guidance may also be relevant to decisions on individual planning applications and appeals. A water cycle study will help balance the requirements of the various planning policy documents, and ensure that land-use planning and water cycle infrastructure provision is sustainable. The most relevant PPSs to water cycle studies are: PPS1 – Delivering sustainable development Planning and Climate Change: Supplement to PPS1 PPS3 – Housing PPS9 – Biodiversity and Geological Conservation PPS12 – Local Spatial Planning PPS23 – Planning and pollution control PPS25 – Development and flood risk There is also a draft PPS on ecotowns , which at the time of writing is undergoing consultation. Planning portal —a useful guide to the planning system, planning reform, and the local development framework process Future Water Code for Sustainable homes Code for Sustainable Homes The Code for Sustainable Homes has been introduced to drive a step-change in sustainable home building practice. On the 27 February 2008 the Government confirmed a mandatory rating against the Code will be implemented from 1 May 2008. The Code measures the sustainability of a new home against nine categories of sustainable design, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. The Code sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Click here for more information on the Code for Sustainable Homes. Further information How do I carry out a water cycle study? FAQ Glossary and sources of information Outline study Scoping study detailed study What is water cycle planning? IN THIS SECTION Introduction What is a water cycle study? Water cycle planning policy Why is a water cycle study needed? How do we make development sustainable? What is the water cycle? When is a water cycle study needed? Integration with other plans and policies OTHER SECTIONS 1. WHAT IS WATER CYCLE PLANNING? 2. HOW DO I CARRY OUT A WCS? 3. SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) 5. CASE STUDIES & TOOLS 6. DATA SOURCES 7. GLOSSARY 6 The need for sustainable development Sustainable development is central to the updated planning system. The aim of a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) – compulsory under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 - is to promote sustainable development. This is achieved by looking at social, environmental and economic factors when creating or revising Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS), Development Plan Documents (DPD), and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD). When building housing and other development, it is important to ensure that the development is sustainable . If development proceeds at the scale planned in some regions without due consideration given to water infrastructure requirements this could result in infrastructure which cannot meet the increase in demands, and an environment which may become less sustainable. To prevent such problems factors such as surface water drainage and flood risk, water resource, water supply, sewerage infrastructure, wastewater treatment and water quality need to be considered in a holistic, integrated way. The energy requirement and carbon footprint of new development should also be considered. In order for new homes to be sustainable planners and regulators need to make four things happen: • GETTING THE LOCATION RIGHT: The need to avoid building homes in places that we will regret. Of particular concern is the location of housing in areas of flood risk or coastal erosion, or where water quality and water resources are already at, or approaching, environmental limits. • LONG TERM PLANNING FRAMEWORKS: To ensure a long term planning framework exists for all types of environmental infrastructure. • DEMAND MANAGEMENT: To promote more ways of managing and reducing the demand for new environmental infrastructure. • FUNDING DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND INCENTIVES: Clear funding streams, with costs allocated to polluters, developers, consumers and the taxpayer on clear and evidence-based principles. Achieving these four actions requires strong planning decisions and strong planning policies; a water cycle study provides the evidence base to make appropriate planning decisions and set policies. Click here for more information on how to determine the most sustainable options Click here for examples of sustainable development It is recommended that a water cycle study includes a sustainability assessment of water cycle options. This will provide an evidence base for all partners that their proposals are sustainable. How do you determine the most sustainable options? Further information Environment Agency policy brief: Environmental Infrastructure Further information How do I carry out a water cycle study? FAQ Glossary and sources of information Outline study Scoping study detailed study What is water cycle planning? IN THIS SECTION Introduction What is a water cycle study? Water cycle planning policy Why is a water cycle study needed? How do we make development sustainable? What is the water cycle? When is a water cycle study needed? Integration with other plans and policies OTHER SECTIONS 1. WHAT IS WATER CYCLE PLANNING? 2. HOW DO I CARRY OUT A WCS? 3. SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) 5. CASE STUDIES & TOOLS 6. DATA SOURCES 7. GLOSSARY 7 What is a water cycle study (WCS)? A water cycle study is: • a method for determining what sustainable water infrastructure is required and where and when it is needed; • a risk based approach ensuring that town and country planning makes best use of environmental capacity and opportunities, and adapts to environmental constraints; • a way for all stakeholders to have their say, preventing any unexpected obstacles to growth; • the process that brings all the available knowledge and information together to help make better, more integrated, risk based planning decisions, and • a way of ensuring compliance with BERR’s "Regulators’ Compliance Code" to ensure that risk assessment precedes and informs all aspects of their approaches to regulatory activity. Much of the data and information required for a water cycle study will already exist within the organisations who have responsibility for operating, regulating and managing the water environment (e.g. SFRAs). The Environment Agency, water companies and other organisations have spent millions of pounds over the recent decades gathering data, analysing and modelling the water environment. One of the key benefits of a partnership approach is unlocking this information and knowledge and making it available. Water cycle study objectives An effective water cycle study and strategy will achieve the following objectives: 1. urban development only occurs within environmental constraints; 2. urban development occurs in the most sustainable location taking; 3. water cycle infrastructure is in place before development, and; 4. opportunities for more sustainable infrastructure options have been realised. BERR “Regulators Compliance Code” Water Cycle Management for New Developments (WaND) Further information How do I carry out a water cycle study? FAQ Glossary and sources of information Outline study Scoping study detailed study What is water cycle planning? IN THIS SECTION Introduction What is a water cycle study? Water cycle planning policy Why is a water cycle study needed? How do we make development sustainable? What is the water cycle? When is a water cycle study needed? Integration with other plans and policies OTHER SECTIONS 1. WHAT IS WATER CYCLE PLANNING? 2. HOW DO I CARRY OUT A WCS? 3. SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) 5. CASE STUDIES & TOOLS 6. DATA SOURCES 7. GLOSSARY 8 Why is a water cycle study needed? The planning and water cycle management processes work side by side. Both processes require information and data from the other, so they work best when they happen at the same time and when organisations work together. The effect of development on the water environment forms a key part of the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), required under the Core Strategy process. As part of the Core Strategy a WCS will give planning authorities a robust evidence base to assess this. It identifies and assesses risk, investigates all the options and issues, and helps decide which option/s will best support the Core Strategy and related policies. The WCS provides the evidence base for setting out allocations, phasing of development, developer contributions and further guidance. Since all the organisations work in partnership to carry out the WCS, each partner is more likely to be committed to delivering the resulting Water Cycle Strategy. By involving key organisations in the growth process at an early stage, a water cycle study will: • show early on if the predicted environmental capacity can accommodate development, taking into account climate change and sustainable standards; • provide supporting evidence for the development of the Core Strategy; • identify immediate funding and longer-term maintenance costs, and enable these to be factored into the planning process at an early stage; • build relationships between key organisations; • produce a robust, evidence-based water cycle strategy, and; • support the SEA in providing an evidence base. A water cycle study benefits all of the partners involved. The main benefits for the principal organisations involved are listed here Water cycle infrastructure options can have benefits for many different aspects of the water cycle. For example, a well designed sustainable drainage system could have wider benefits for flood risk management, water quality protection, biodiversity, health and recreation, and water resource management. However, it is often difficult to achieve the multiple benefits under the traditional planning approach, because of complex stakeholder responsibilities and priorities. A water cycle study will promote options that have multiple uses and provide multiple benefits through engagement of all the water cycle stakeholders. Click here for more information and examples of sustainable masterplanning The integrated water cycle & achieving multiple benefits Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessments Water Cycle Management for New Developments (WaND) Further information How do I carry out a water cycle study? FAQ Glossary and sources of information Outline study Scoping study detailed study What is water cycle planning? IN THIS SECTION Introduction What is a water cycle study? Water cycle planning policy Why is a water cycle study needed? How do we make development sustainable? What is the water cycle? When is a water cycle study needed? Integration with other plans and policies OTHER SECTIONS 1. WHAT IS WATER CYCLE PLANNING? 2. HOW DO I CARRY OUT A WCS? 3. SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) 5. CASE STUDIES & TOOLS 6. DATA SOURCES 7. GLOSSARY 9 The water cycle Water cycle processes The water cycle includes the processes and systems that collect, store, or transport water in the environment. Water cycle processes are both above and below ground level, and can be either natural or man-made. In an undeveloped area, the water cycle includes rainfall landing on the ground, where it is either transferred into above ground streams, rivers, wetlands, floodplains, and estuaries to the sea, or is absorbed into the soil, ending up in groundwater storage aquifers. The cycle is completed by evaporation from these systems back into the atmosphere. In a developed area, the natural processes and systems are sometimes adapted for development or public health reasons. For example, water is taken from rivers, treated, and piped via water supply systems into urban areas. Wastewater produced by houses is collected in a below ground sewerage system, where it is transported to a wastewater treatment works before being discharged to the sea, rivers or to groundwater. The natural processes are extremely important for wildlife and ecology, and even man made systems can have biodiversity and wildlife interest. It is important than when building new homes, or even redeveloping existing areas we understand the impact on the natural environment. Green infrastructure planning A strategy to manage important wildlife and recreation land is a major component of any sustainable development. We refer to these areas as green infrastructure, which comprise a wide range of linked existing and new green spaces and similar environmental assets, both public and private. Along with key roles in protecting biodiversity and providing for recreation, a green infrastructure performs an essential role in the protection and management of natural resources, including air quality, soils and especially the storage and drainage of water. Major parts of the natural hydrological system for a given area, notably rivers and their corridors and floodplains, should be prominent parts of any strategically planned, managed and protected green infrastructure. This is especially important in an urban context where undeveloped green spaces and fully functional water courses are needed to absorb the run off from buildings and roads, prevent flooding and maintain the water table beneath the settlement at an optimum level. It is therefore vital that water cycle studies integrate with green infrastructure strategies where they exist. Where they do not exist, it is important that the WCS is carried with full regard to existing green infrastructure, and that it identifies opportunities to expand and strengthen the capacity of a green infrastructure network to underpin water management whilst also delivering other environmental and social benefits. Water Cycle Management for New Developments (WaND) is a collection of guidance and tools that helps stakeholders sustainably masterplan new developments. Green infrastructure planning guidance Examples of green infrastructure planning Further information How do I carry out a water cycle study? FAQ Glossary and sources of information Outline study Scoping study detailed study What is water cycle planning? IN THIS SECTION Introduction What is a water cycle study? Water cycle planning policy Why is a water cycle study needed? How do we make development sustainable? What is the water cycle? When is a water cycle study needed? Integration with other plans and policies OTHER SECTIONS 1. WHAT IS WATER CYCLE PLANNING? 2. HOW DO I CARRY OUT A WCS? 3. SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) 5. CASE STUDIES & TOOLS 6. DATA SOURCES 7. GLOSSARY 10 Our impact on the water cycle The water that we drink is abstracted from rivers and from aquifers and then treated to a very high standard before entering our water supply systems. As population and demand for water grows, more water is taken from the environment, and this can have a significant impact on biodiversity, and on the recreational value of the water environment. Additionally, more energy is used to treat and transport the water as demand increases. Once it reaches the household, water is used in many different ways, including washing, flushing toilets, drinking and cooking before, discharging it into our drains. Our wastewater drains into the foul or wastewater network, from where it flows to wastewater treatment works (WwTWs) via sewers and pumping stations, again often using energy. At the WwTW, the waste is treated to a high standard to remove pollutants and discharged to our rivers and seas. The more water that is treated at a WwTW, the greater the potential impact of the treated wastewater discharged on the receiving watercourses. This in turn requires higher levels of treatment at the WwTWs to prevent further environmental deterioration, using additional energy and chemicals. Furthermore, increased flows from WwTW can also increase the risk of river flooding downstream of the works. Sustainable water cycle planning policies, water cycle management for new developments and green infrastructure planning can help ensure that development locations and water infrastructure not only prevent the deterioration of the water cycle environment, but actively improve it. Click here for more information and examples Green infrastructure planning Examples of sustainable water cycle management in practice [...]... study? What is water cycle planning? Scoping study Outline study detailed study FAQ Glossary and sources of information How do I carry out a water cycle study? IN THIS SECTION Introduction What is a water cycle study? Water cycle planning policy Why is a water cycle study needed? How do we make development sustainable? Water cycle study stages A water cycle study is normally broken down into three stages... How do I carry out a water cycle study? What is water cycle planning? Outline study detailed study Glossary and sources of information Frequently asked questions IN THIS SECTION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Scoping study FAQ Frequently asked questions What do we mean by water cycle capacity? When is a water cycle study needed? Is a water cycle study always needed? Is a detailed study always needed? Do... ability of the wastewater system to collect, transport and treat wastewater from homes and businesses e.g Sewers, sewage pumping stations, sewer mains, wastewater treatment works WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND TREATMENT 11 How do I carry out a water cycle study? What is water cycle planning? Scoping study Outline study detailed study FAQ Glossary and sources of information When is a water cycle study needed?... needed? IN THIS SECTION Introduction A water cycle study is required if: What is a water cycle study? Water cycle planning policy • the development area is a proposed eco-town; • it is a condition of growth point status, and; • it is a requirement of the regional spatial strategy or Core Strategy Why is a water cycle study needed? In all other cases, a water cycle study is recommended if any of the following... DATA SOURCES 7 GLOSSARY Further information How do I carry out a water cycle study? What is water cycle planning? Outline study detailed study Glossary and sources of information Frequently asked questions IN THIS SECTION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Scoping study FAQ Is a water cycle study always needed? For small developments a water cycle study may not be necessary An assessment of the infrastructure... (FAQ) 5 CASE STUDIES & TOOLS 6 DATA SOURCES 7 GLOSSARY Further information 18 How do I carry out a water cycle study? What is water cycle planning? Scoping study Outline study detailed study FAQ Glossary and sources of information What information will an outline water cycle study provide? WATER RESOURCES AND WATER SUPPLY Environment capacity Is there capacity in existing licences for development? Will... carry out a water cycle study? What is water cycle planning? How do I carry out an outline study? How do I carry out a detailed study? How do I implement the strategy? Outline study detailed study Glossary and sources of information Implementation IN THIS SECTION How do I carry out a scoping study? Scoping study FAQ As planning applications are received, it is important that the planned water cycle infrastructure,... consultation on “Improving Surface Water Drainage” How do I carry out a water cycle study? What is water cycle planning? Scoping study Outline study detailed study FAQ Glossary and sources of information Surface water management plans IN THIS SECTION Surface water management planning Surface Water Management Plans (SWMPs) can be defined as the tool to manage surface water flood risk on a local basis... identified by the water cycle study, warrant such action These local requirements should be specified in terms of the achievement of nationally described sustainable building standards, such as the Code for Sustainable Homes 26 How do I carry out a water cycle study? What is water cycle planning? Flood risk management Surface water management planning Water resources Wastewater and water quality Water Framework...How do I carry out a water cycle study? What is water cycle planning? Scoping study Outline study detailed study FAQ Glossary and sources of information What do we mean by water cycle capacity? Water cycle and environmental capacity will differ from area to area, and the scoping study will need to identify what the environmental capacity issues are . carry out a water cycle study? FAQ Glossary and sources of information Outline study Scoping study detailed study What is water cycle planning? Water Cycle Study Guidance . a water cycle study? Water cycle planning policy Why is a water cycle study needed? How do we make development sustainable? What is the water cycle? When is a water cycle. a water cycle study? Water cycle planning policy Why is a water cycle study needed? How do we make development sustainable? What is the water cycle? When is a water cycle