Sewer system operation into the 21st century, study of selected responses from a UK perspective

The present study examined the future of UK sewer systems at timescales, up to 2020 and to 2080. The most significant drivers for change were identified for different socio-economic and climate scenarios. A wide range of potential responses to these drivers were studied using the analysis of literature, expert workshops and limited modelling. The assessment of effectiveness of a number of these responses are presented and discussed. In the short to medium term it was shown that technological responses were most likely to be effective. In the longer-term controls on urbanisation and land use were seen to be more effective.