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 and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.