Schools across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex and Kent are playing their part in preventing our region’s sewage system from taking on too much rainwater too quickly – by installing water slowing technology for classroom roofs and playgrounds.
Almost 50 schools are set to take part in this innovative new £1.6 million project, jointly funded by Southern Water and the Department for Education. The project aims to remove, or slow the flow of, excess rainwater runoff from hard surfaces.
Sustainable Drainage Systems or SuDS will be installed include a mixture of rain harvesting and nature-based systems, such as rain gardens and rain planters. All designed to slow the flow of surface water into the existing combined sewage systems during periods of heavy or prolonged rain.
When there is more rain than the system can handle, it can lead to localised flooding, and the use of storm overflows into rivers and the seas via combined sewer overflows (CSOs) – the pressure release valves that are designed to work to avoid flooding to homes, schools and businesses.
Nick Mills, Head of Southern Water’s Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Department for Education in delivering this major project in helping schools with sustainable drainage and slow the flow measures.
“Rainwater runs into the sewage network which can overwhelm the system and lead to storm overflows further down the line. We know these are not acceptable and are working hard to significantly reduce them, and a key element is working with partners like schools and local authorities to improve the collective drainage system holistically.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
“Our work with Southern Water to protect schools from potentially damaging and disruptive flooding will be hugely valuable – both in preserving buildings and facilities, but also children’s education. The project also creates a unique educational opportunity for pupils to engage in the importance of saving and protecting water, and the impact of doing so, as we all work to do more for the environment.”
Work to install SuDS will start in the New Year and will be carried out by charity Groundwork South.
Lindy Kelly, Executive Director for Groundwork South, said: “Groundwork South are pleased to be working alongside Southern Water and schools along the South coast to help design and deliver innovative sustainable drainage solutions. These vitally important works will not only help to alleviate pressure on the drainage network but will also provide schools with new learning resources and create more diverse wildlife habitats for students to enjoy.”