Principles of Water
The water cycle is fundamental to the geography, ecology and life of Hertfordshire. Maintaining a balance between rainfall, abstraction and return of water is crucial to sensitive habitats (such as chalk streams) and to minimising flood risk.
The built environment influences the water cycle by determining the levels of required abstraction and the fate of rainfall.
Traditionally development has paid little attention to water efficiency or management of water run-off from roofs, road surfaces or parking areas.
Consequently, parts of Hertfordshire are already close to their abstraction limits. Major improvements in the efficiency of water use and surface drainage are required to mitigate future problems.
The Water Cycle
