In your opinion, what benefits does one system have over the other?
sustainable drainage is probably much more expensive, but that's okay - as long as it makes the city more beautiful at the same time! we can use these green spots when we play with our children and want to eat outdoors. but at the same time, you doubt that they work as well as conventional drainage.
green areas are more reliable in the long run.
suds are effective for small to medium storms, but additional measures are required when suds are insufficient. conventional systems are also necessary for wastewater management.
sustainable systems produce cleaner water, slow down discharges, offer opportunities for children to play, are aesthetic, etc. many more aspects are unlocked and become values.
the sustainable drainage system looks better, is more natural, and visible water storage prevents the need for large storage basins.
sustainable drainage:
- water is actively used to create beautiful parks, etc., instead of being concealed in expensive pipes.
- the possibility of passive cleaning of polluted water from roads (through infiltration, sedimentation in lakes, uptake by plants, etc.)
- cheaper to implement in existing cities.
conventional drainage:
- water carrying pollution is kept away from people.
- more control of the water - easier to calculate/model the water in the sewerage system.
sustainable will also help improve things like air temperature, recreational value, health of the citizen, and so on. the other one is hidden away.
more aesthetic
sustainable is more expensive but looks better and is better for the environment.
as mentioned above, the sustainable system has other benefits such as aesthetics, cleaning of runoff water, reducing peak flows, and creating green spaces (possibly helping to reduce co2).
the other one directs the water to a specific place, which is also a benefit, so the water is more under control. additionally, it can be diverted away more quickly.