A new report setting out how Southern Water plans to reduce pollution in Swalecliffe and the surrounding area has been published by the water company’s Storm Overflows Task Force.
The report lays out ways in which the innovative ‘pathfinder’ project will reduce pollution into the sea and focuses on slowing the flow of rainwater that gets into the sewer network.
Around half of the drainage system in Whitstable is a combined sewer system. Storm overflows are built into the combined network to protect homes, businesses, and roads from flooding, when the system gets overwhelmed with rainwater run-off. The use of storm overflows is permitted and regulated by the Environment Agency, but their use is understandably unpopular with locals. The pressure on the network means that in the last few years, the Swalecliffe wastewater treatment works has been the cause for several incidents.
Over the coming months, the task force will carry out surveys and investigate new technologies and solutions that could ‘slow the flow’ of water draining from homes, roads, car parks, businesses, and public spaces in the Swalecliffe area.
Cutting rain out of the sewer system has an extra benefit over preventing storm releases. Swales and rain gardens are a way of keeping water on the land so it can soak down through the soil to the aquifer- the natural underground reservoirs where the region gets much of its water.
Dr Nick Mills, who is leading the Storm Overflows Task Force, said: “This report is only the start of the journey towards a sustainable drainage system in Swalecliffe and Whitstable. We are bringing our expertise and knowledge of engineering and the environment into one coordinated and talented team with the aim of improving water quality, reducing storm overflows, and improving the environment.
“We can only make these improvements if we continue to work together with customers, Kent County Council and businesses to identify and deliver opportunities, and plan together for the sustainable growth of Whitstable town. That’s why we’re calling on everyone to get involved and share their ideas and experiences and make this project truly collaborative.”
Interventions Southern Water wants to introduce include sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS) like garden planters and rain gardens, making better use of existing drainage features such as roadside gullies and private water pipes, and additional treatment capacity to the existing drainage infrastructure.
There will also be a strong focus on controlling the flow pumped to the Swalecliffe wastewater treatment works and managing storm flows there, while optimising the control of the many wastewater pumping stations in the area to smooth out the flow and avoid overwhelming the system.
Improvements in Swalecliffe form part of a wider £2 billion investment in Southern Water’s assets, most of which is going to improve their environmental performance, and Southern Water aims to significantly reduce storm overflows by 2030.
KCC’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, Tony Hills, said: “KCC is pleased Southern Water is taking the issue of storm overflows, which cause pollution and disruption in at our coast, seriously.
“We are particularly pleased the organisation has recognised the role of surface water in causing overflows and are working in partnership to manage this effectively.
“KCC is looking forward to working with Southern Water in this partnership and hopes to see more projects like this in the county.”
The project is one of five Pathfinders across the South East and, if successful, similar projects will be expanded across the region, becoming a key part of Southern Water’s efforts to reduce storm releases and flooding.
You can read the full Swalecliffe Pathfinder Summary Report online.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
Swalecliffe is one of Southern Water’s five innovative pathfinder projects, introducing sustainable solutions in areas to slow the flow of rainwater entering the combined sewer system, one of the main causes of flooding and releases in our waterways.
Other pathfinder areas include Deal and Margate in Kent, Sandown on the Isle of Wight, and the Pan Parish villages near Andover in Hampshire.
Southern Water is committed to taking a holistic, cross-sector approach by working with local communities and stakeholders to find the most practical and effective solutions to cut storm overflows and reduce disruption to lives and the environment.