Catchment
The SuDS Manual published by CIRIA in 2015 defines a 'catchment' as: 'The area contributing surface water flow to a point on a drainage or river system. Can be divided into sub-catchments.'
A sub-catchment is: 'A division of a catchment, to allow runoff to be managed as near to the source as is reasonable'
Catchment flood management plans (CFMP’s) aim to establish flood risk management policies which will deliver sustainable flood risk management for the long term across a catchment. For more information see: Catchment flood management plan.
Culvert, screen and outfall manual, (CIRIA C786) published by CIRIA in 2019, defines catchment as: ‘The area of land that drains to a given point on a river, drainage system or other body of water.’
It defines a flashy catchment as: ‘A catchment with a watercourse that rises immediately following a period of rain.’
NB In relation to human geography, a catchment area is the area from which a city, service, institution etc. attracts the population that it serves.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BREEAM Flood risk management.
- Catchment flood management plan.
- CIRIA.
- Flood.
- Flood and Water Management Act.
- Flood risk.
- Flood risk management plans.
- Flood Insurance.
- Future flood prevention.
- Future Water, The Government’s water strategy for England.
- Greywater.
- Highway drainage.
- Managing and responding to disaster.
- Passive water efficiency measures.
- Pitt Review Lessons learned from the 2007 floods.
- Planning for floods.
- Rainwater harvesting.
- Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.
- The SUDS manual.
- Watercourse.
- Water engineering.
- Water framework directive.
- Workplace design – flood protection.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.
Dutyholder responsibilities from 1 July 2026.
Where performance meets practice
The Building Envelope Stage at UKCW Birmingham.
CIAT publishes briefing on planning reforms.
Leaders in Learning for Practice Network
Call for conservation leaders in learning to register interest in new network.
The importance of early engagement
Construction lessons from the Trillium HealthWorks Experience Centre.
Mayors are to be given planning call in powers
Mayors across England will be able to make the most important planning decisions.
The Master Builder: William Butterfield and his times. Book review.

















