Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has started work on its next innovative RainScape scheme. The £2 million scheme in Burry Port will reduce the amount of rainwater run off which flows into local public drainage systems, thereby reducing the risk of sewer flooding and pollution.
The scheme, part of a wider £25 million investment in the Llanelli and Gowerton areas, will help manage surface water by separating rainwater from the existing sewer system and redirect it to the local harbour.
Burry Port currently has a “combined sewer network”, taking away waste from homes and businesses and rainwater from roofs and streets. The system was not designed to cope with the amount of rainwater and foul waste now passing through the network. When too much rainwater goes into the network, it can cause sewer flooding both in homes and the local environment.
The latest RainScape work includes laying new surface water drainage pipes and making changes to manholes, kerb areas and existing sewer pipes.
This type of scheme is already benefitting Llanelli residents who had previously experienced flooding. Welsh Water said it is particularly needed in the area as Llanelli and surrounding communities see almost as much stormwater in its sewage network as Swansea - despite the fact that Swansea serves three times the number of properties, and is three times the area compared with Llanelli.
Chris Jones, Chief Executive for Dŵr Cymru, Welsh Water said:
“RainScape is a sustainable solution that will significantly reduce the risk of sewer flooding in the local area, by tackling the root cause of the problem. As a company without shareholders, we are able to put our customers’ needs and priorities first, and therefore have more flexibility to invest in schemes such as this.”
Carmarthenshire County Council has also been working with Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water on the Rainscape scheme in Burry Port.
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