Sustainable Drainage System Terms A-Z
R
rainwater harvesting or rainwater use system
A system that collects rainwater from where it falls rather than allowing it to drain away. It includes water that is collected within the boundaries of a property, from roofs and surrounding surfaces.
recurrence interval
The average time between runoff events that have a certain flow rate, e.g. a flow of 2 m/s might have a recurrence interval of two years in a particular catchment.
retention pond
A pond where runoff is detained (e.g. for several days) to allow settlement and biological treatment of some pollutants.
RoSPA
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
runoff
Water flow over the ground surface to the drainage system. This occurs if the ground is impermeable, is saturated or if rainfall is particularly intense. |
