Northumbrian Water is launching an innovative and SuDS sustainable pilot scheme which will reduce the amount of surface water which runs off school grounds from entering the sewer network.
A detailed drainage area study has identified areas from across the region that are at risk of flooding, and would benefit from having surface water removed from the sewer network.
School sites are the focus as they have large areas of impermeable surfaces which surround school buildings.
The first school to take part in the study is Woodhouse Community Primary School in Bishop Auckland.
Working in partnership with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Northumbrian Water has created a rain garden and sustainable drainage system at the school, which are made up of raised wetland planted beds, a water butt, swale (grassy ditch), bog garden, wildlife pond and wildflower areas. The pond is in an area where children can be supervised at all times.
Surface water will be diverted to the garden from various areas within the school grounds to prevent it from entering the sewer network.
Northumbrian Water’s project manager for the scheme, Elaine Smith, said:
“Reducing the risk of flooding to our customers’ homes and businesses, and being prepared for the future as rainfall patterns intensify and change, are top priorities for us. Removing surface water from our sewer pipes means the network is able to carry more foul waste water and the risk of flooding will be reduced, especially in times of heavy rainfall.”
“This creative and sustainable scheme provides a fantastic opportunity for partnership working, which is so important when tackling flooding, and the educational benefits are also very significant.”
Tindale Beck’s water quality will also improve as the frequency of spills from the sewer network into the watercourse will reduce.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust has developed an educational programme linked to the garden which will teach children about the water cycle, the causes of flooding, sustainable flood solutions, the differences between and impact of impermeable and permeable surfaces and the role and importance of wetland habitats.
It is hoped that following this pilot project more schools from across the region will be able to take part in the scheme.
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