On multiple properties along this street, we hope to work with residents to install a series of water storage and re-use measures in people’s properties. This will improve drought resilience, reduce mains water usage and reduce flows entering the Prittle Brook.
Our main aim here is to intercept rainfall going into our drains reducing pressure on the surface water systems. Those systems can sometimes be overwhelmed with high volumes of water during heavy rainfall. We’ll also reduce the flows of water entering the Prittle Brook.
The measures include the retro-fitting of smart water butts on residential properties and a series of community rain gardens throughout the area. Smart water butts check the weather forecast and can release excess water in advance of heavy rainfall to increase capacity.
Designs may vary but will include rain garden tanks to help store and reuse rainwater which can trickle into the sewers before and after the storms have past.
Households that participate in the scheme will have a consultation with Our Rainwater and the Catchment to Coast partnership who will work with residents to design a bespoke water storage design to fit in with their home.
Water butts are ready to be installed on Fairmead Avenue. We’re waiting for confirmation on the procurement and then we’ll put in the order.