We’re partnering with SuDSPlanter to give away free water saving devices to schools to help reduce the volume of rainwater entering the sewer network. Keep reading to find out about our sustainable drainage schemes.
What is sustainable drainage?
Climate change is making storms stronger and more frequent, which means we’re seeing a lot more rain in shorter bursts. This is putting a real strain on our drainage systems—like drains and sewers—and soaking up our natural surfaces, so water ends up just sitting on the ground.
As a result, we’re getting flash floods because the water has nowhere to go. This is a big problem for schools, which have lots of hard surfaces like playgrounds that don’t absorb water well.
Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) are nature-based solutions which slow the flow of rainfall into our sewers and help to stop overloading the network. They collect, clean, store and slowly release rainwater run-off from buildings, rather than leaving it to flow into the drains and sewers and potentially overloading the system. There are lots of different types of SuDS from green roofs, permeable paths, swales, rainwater harvesting solutions and smaller options like planters.
What work are we doing with schools and why?
SuDS planters are a clever way to manage rainwater from roofs and work really well with large school roofs. They capture rainwater run-off by re-routing the downpipe from the drains into the planter, the water is then stored in the planters where plants can soak it up, any remaining water is then released slowly back into the drains, reducing the risk of overwhelming our sewer networks. SuDS planters are a great way to prevent lots of surface water gathering in school playgrounds. They are easy to install, a great way to educate children and look great in the school playground!
Working with our partners at SuDS Planter, we’re installing free sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in schools based in areas where we’re improving our network and reducing discharges from nearby storm overflows. By slowing the flows of rain and surface water into the sewer network, it will reduce the frequency and impact of the storm spill events from nearby overflows.
Our education team are also going into schools to deliver lessons about sustainable water usage and the water cycle, so children can learn all about it and ways they can make a difference at school and at home.
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