Drainage and water storage

With climate change we are likely to see warmer and wetter winters, hotter and drier summers, and more frequent weather extremes. This includes an increase in the likelihood of droughts and surface water flooding.

There are ways in which we all can improve drainage and increase water storage on our properties, including water attenuation and sustainable drainage.

Rainwater storage and water saving

Water is a valuable resource. During times of drought Southern Water can impose hosepipe bans to conserve water for drinking and bathing, while helping to protect the environment. Rain can be captured simply by installing a water butt providing you with water for your garden or washing your car. Benefits of capturing rainfall include:

• Reducing the amount of water entering the sewer network during periods of heavy rainfall.
• Having water for reuse during times of low rainfall (drought).
• Saving money on water bills – instead of paying to water your garden or wash your car you can use water stored in a water butt.

Water saving

Southern Water offer advice and a range of free products to help you save water. These devices include water saving shower heads, save-a-flush bags and water butts fitted during a free home visit. See their website for further information.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

SuDS are designed to mimic natural drainage processes to manage surface water locally. Features such as rain gardens, ponds and green roofs intercept rainwater as it falls, and stores water in rainfall.

They have multiple benefits and are designed to manage both flooding and pollution risks resulting from urban runoff and contribute wherever possible to environmental enhancement.

SuDS features include:

• Green roofs
• Permeable pavements
• Soakaways (geo-cellular crates)
• Retention ponds
• Infiltration basins and trenches
• Rainwater harvesting
• Swales
• Rain gardens

If you'd like to find out more about sustainable drainage, take a look at susdrain.