Why Deal experiences flooding – new report published by the Deal Water Action Taskforce
The much-awaited report from the Deal Water Action Taskforce (Deal-WAT) – co-chaired by Natalie Elphicke MP for Dover & Deal, and Southern Water’s CEO Ian McAulay – sets out proposals for Deal to take the lead in cutting storm drain overflows, to clean and green local rivers and the sea. It shows how residents can help sustain water resources with water storage and contribute to the work of the Taskforce going forward.
The Deal Water Action Taskforce was set up by the MP with Southern Water to tackle flooding problems in Deal - especially in Albert Road - which has been a real source of community concern.
The Task Force is jointly led by Natalie Elphicke and Ian McAuley, the Chief Executive of Southern Water. The Taskforce also includes representatives from Kent County Council and Dover District Council - DDC and KCC also provide detailed technical advice and support to the project.
The first part of the work of the Taskforce, centred around Albert Road, was announced in April, which included immediate actions and multi-million pound investment to tackle persistent flooding problems.
Today the Taskforce announce the next steps of the plan to Sustain water resources and reduce pressure on the drainage system by enabling water to be held by homeowners in water tanks and recycled, or released once it has stopped raining. The report also sets out proposals to Clean and Green local waterways and the sea. It sets out how the need for these overflows can be reduced on the way to ending them altogether. Deal is one of Southern Water’s flagship pathfinder projects meaning that Deal will be taking the lead in cutting storm drain overflows in the Southern Water area.
Natalie Elphicke MP said:
“This report sets out far reaching proposals to protect Deal from flooding, increase water sustainability, as well as making our rivers and seas cleaner and greener in the years to come.
“Flooding has been a problem in Deal for far too long. It’s vital we bring this to an end - especially for the long suffering residents of Albert Road. But this report goes much further - it sets out how over time we can get rid of controversial storm drain overflows and make our water resources more sustainable for the long term.
“Deal’s water system and drainage matters to us all. It’s so important for everyone to get involved - whether it is installing a water butt to catch rainwater to use on the garden or providing photos of any flooding seen taking place in the last ten years - and of blocked gullies or high water levels in ditches. Together we can make a real difference.”
Dr Nick Mills, Head of Southern Water’s Storm Overflow Task Force said:
“The improvements we’re suggesting in this report will help minimise disruption to people’s lives while also bringing real improvements to the environment.
“This proactive and collaborative approach – working with residents, community groups, the local council and other authorities – to find solutions to localised flooding is working well in Deal and we hope this joint working will continue so we get the best outcome for everyone.”
Notes to Editors:
In addition to the improvements to increase network capacity and performance at Albert Road over the summer, Southern Water have announced an £11million project to review and refresh all old pipes to be carried out over a 24 month programme. Working with residents in wider Deal they will also be installing sustainable drainage measures such as smart water butts and planters to reduce rainwater runoff – this is known as ‘slow the flow’
The works in Deal are one of Southern Water’s five innovative pathfinder projects, introducing sustainable solutions within areas to slow the flow of rainwater entering the combined sewer system, one of the main causes of flooding. If successful, similar projects will be expanded across the region and become a key part of Southern Water’s efforts to reduce spills and flooding. Other pathfinder areas include Margate and Swalecliffe Kent, Sandown on the Isle of Wight, and the Pan Parish villages near Andover Hampshire.
Improvements in Deal form part of a wider £2 billion investment in Southern Water’s pipes and sewage infrastructure to help reduce pollution by 80 per cent by 2025. Southern Water are 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.
You can read the full Deal Pathfinder Summary Report here: www.southernwater.co.uk/media/6859/deal-pathfinder-summary-report-may-2022.pdf