Passive dewatering
Dewatering refers to the removal of groundwater and/or surface water from a site before construction work commences. Passive dewatering occurs when groundwater is discharged to the surface under the influence of gravity. It is classed as a form of water abstraction (the act of taking water from a source of supply).
Most passive dewatering schemes are small and do not pose a risk to the environment or water table. In these instances, it may not be necessary to obtain a water abstraction licence from the Environment Agency.
Additional guidance on passive dewatering is available from the Environment Agency, [[w/index.php?title=W/index.php%3Ftitle%3DW/index.php%3Ftitle%3DRef_https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/passive-dewatering-regulatory-position-statement/passive-dewatering-regulatory-position-statement%26action%3Dedit%26redlink%3D1%26action%3Dedit%26redlink%3D1&action=edit&redlink=1|Passive dewatering: regulatory position statement]] (RPS). This guidance states that an RPS only applies to abstractions that were exempt under section 29(1) of the Water Resources Act 1991 (before section 5 of the Water Act 2003 was published). This includes passive dewatering, for example to:
- Prevent flooding to roads and railway cuttings.
- Prevent interference with mining, quarrying, engineering or building operations.
- Provide back wall drainage at landfill sites.
Ref [[w/index.php?title=W/index.php%3Ftitle%3DW/index.php%3Ftitle%3DRef_https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/passive-dewatering-regulatory-position-statement/passive-dewatering-regulatory-position-statement%26action%3Dedit%26redlink%3D1%26action%3Dedit%26redlink%3D1&action=edit&redlink=1|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/passive-dewatering-regulatory-position-statement/passive-dewatering-regulatory-position-statement]]
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Dewatering construction sites.
- Environment Agency.
- Groundwater.
- Raising awareness of dewatering regulation.
- Water abstraction licence.
- Water engineering.
- Water impoundment licence.
- Water management.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
More of England’s ‘hidden heroes’ will be celebrated.
CIAT calls for retrofit to be a priority.
Version 6 is now available, along with guidance for ECA members.
Post-War Homes: mid-century British architecture. Book review.
CIAT reflects on the party conferences.
CIOB announce the winners of the Art of Building photography competition.
National Scheme of Delegation introduced.
The cost of employing people remains a concern.
Code of Practice for Electrical Energy Storage Systems.
ECA calls on members to comment on draft 4th edition.
Bringing together expertise and creating cultural benefits.
CIOB celebrates positive Ofsted report.
The Building Safety Regulator announces a call for evidence.