SuDS iQ: a digital environment for evaluating and planning good SuDS
HR Wallingford secured funding from the Ofwat Innovation Fund to develop SuDS‑iQ, an online platform that builds shared understanding of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), how they perform, and the benefits they provide. The platform supports collaborative working and accelerates the adoption of environmentally beneficial drainage solutions.
Why sustainable drainage needs a step change
The growing pressures of climate change, urbanisation, constrained water resources, and ageing drainage networks are increasing the need for sustainable drainage approaches that use and reduce runoff, protect waterbodies and deliver wider environmental benefits. While SuDS are recognised as a key part of the solution, their design, assessment and adoption are often hindered by fragmented data, inconsistent evaluation methods and limited shared understanding across organisations.
The SuDS‑iQ project was established to address these barriers. Funded through the Ofwat Innovation Fund, the project aims to improve how SuDS performance is understood, evaluated and communicated, enabling partners across the water sector to make better‑informed decisions. The project builds on existing HR Wallingford research and tools, including the SuDS performance evaluation tool developed through the UKRI‑funded European project StopUP. SuDS‑iQ runs from February 2025 to March 2027.
Turning data, design and collaboration into action
HR Wallingford is leading the development of SuDS iQ as an accessible, easy to use digital platform designed to bring together technical assessment, learning and collaboration in one place. The platform is designed to support the planning and appraisal of SuDS that use rainwater as a resource, prevent runoff entering sewerage networks and protect waterbodies from erosion, flood risk and pollution - whilst providing multiple benefits for people and nature.
SuDS iQ uses both rainfall time series data and design storms to quantify the performance and benefits of SuDS, providing a more robust and realistic assessment of how schemes perform under current and future conditions, for day to day as well as extreme rainfall events. The approach focuses on enabling consistent, transparent evaluation, supporting decision making rather than simply generating outputs.
SuDS-iQ key features
- A shared collaborative workspace to support partnership projects
- An interactive learning environment to build capability and confidence in SuDS delivery
- Evaluation tools to assess schemes against standards and regulatory requirements
- Performance metrics focused on resilience, including water resource savings and pollution reduction
- Decision support tools for option appraisal
- A SuDS asset definition tool to capture, store and share asset data consistently
- A cost and carbon estimator to support sustainable investment choices
By integrating these elements, SuDS iQ supports a more joined up, outcome focused approach to sustainable drainage planning.
Better drainage outcomes for people and the environment
SuDS iQ is expected to improve the quality, consistency and transparency of SuDS design and assessment across the water sector. By supporting collaborative working and shared understanding, the platform will help accelerate the uptake of SuDS that use rainwater as a resource, reduce pressure on sewerage networks, lower flood risk and protect the water environment.
The tool enables partners to better demonstrate the resilience, environmental, societal and resource efficiency benefits of SuDS, supporting more confident and sustainable investment decisions. Ultimately, SuDS iQ will contribute to more resilient drainage systems, healthier waterbodies and improved outcomes for communities, directly supporting HR Wallingford’s purpose of living and working sustainably with water.
Contact our project lead
Bridget Woods-Ballard
