We're back in Eastbourne
Blue Heart Project
We are teaming up once again with Blue Heart to deliver a further 10 rainwater capture devices in the Eastbourne area. We have already successfully delivered 96 of Southern Waters' Slow Release Water Butts, 9 of which had real time tank monitoring technology.
We want to further positively impact the community of Eastbourne and help to reduce the impact of surface water flooding. This time, we’ll be adding 10 more rainwater capture devices and 15 monitors, providing valuable data to create a more sustainable future for our water resources and improve understanding around water capture devices and their impact.
What’s Available?
We’ll be installing 10 new rainwater capture devices, on a first come, first served basis. There are two types:
- The Mocca Water Butt: Simple and effective for collecting rainwater for garden use.
- The Vaso Rainwater Planter: A dual-purpose option that collects rainwater while also supporting plant growth.
Each device is completely free, and so is the installation – but devices are limited, and they will go fast!
The products
If your property is eligible and meets the criteria needed to have a rainwater capture device fitted, you will receive one of two products:
- Sunda Wall Tank Mocca
- VASO 2In1 Decor Water Tank
Large attenuation, space saving tank.
Dimensions (mm): W 800 x H 1180 x D 400
Capacity:300L
More Monitoring for Better Data
In addition to the 10 new installations, we’ll also be adding 15 monitoring systems. The data collected will help contribute to a more sustainable future for our water resources and improve understanding around water capture devices and their impact.
- 10 monitors will be installed in the new devices.
- 5 monitors will be retrofitted into existing installations from our previous campaign.
These monitors won't be a permanent addition and are designed to collect data for a set amount of time. These will be collected after 2 years.
Why Eastbourne?
Eastbourne, like many coastal towns, faces increasing risks from heavy rainfall and urban flooding. By capturing and reusing rainwater, we can reduce the strain on local drainage systems while also providing a sustainable water source for household use. With more installations, we can continue building a network of rainwater solutions that benefit both residents, communities and the environment.
Important Notes for Rainwater Planter Users
If you have a rainwater planter, please note that while the device and installation are free, you will need to supply your own soil and plants. This should be done at your own convenience, as it is not included in our installation service. This way you have choice over what you plant, be it attractive flowers, or herbs for your cooking.
Already have a leaky water butt installed from last year?
If you're in the project area, we will be in touch about getting a monitor fitted, so you can help contribute to a more sustainable future. Unfortunately, the new round of devices are only available to those who have not yet had a leaky water butt fitted.
Did you sign up last year but did not have a leaky water butt installed?
Easily continue the sign-up process from where you left off! You'll be contacted by one of the team with more details. If you're unsure, please get in touch and we will be able to assist you.
Not signed up before? Has a neighbour referred you? Don’t Miss Out – Sign Up Today!
Find out if your property can have a rainwater device installed for free! All you need to do is sign up, in just a couple of clicks. Installations are happening in April and devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so act quickly to ensure you don’t miss out!
Blue Heart is funded by Defra, as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.
General
What do I do?
This depends on what stage you are at and only if you are in our target area.
If you:
Have a water butt installed by us last year but no monitor:
- Choose an appointment slot and we will come and install the monitor.
Completed the eligibility form but didn’t get a water butt:
- Choose an appointment slot and we will come and install the monitor.
Completed the eligibility form but was not eligible last time:
- Reply to our email as our new products may fit this time. Or if the reason for your ineligibility has changed.
Applied but not completed the eligibility form:
- Complete the eligibility form, if you need the link sending once again then we will be happy to provide.
Can I use the water for anything?
Yes! You can use it for watering plants, washing outdoor areas, and more. Please do not use this water as drinking water.
Products
Do I have to decide which device to have installed?
We will install the device that best suits your property, subject to availability.
How much water can the rain planter or water butt store?
Depending on which product you receive, either 220 or 300 Litres.
How do I maintain it?
Maintenance is minimal and involves simple tasks like cleaning filters or rinsing out the container annually. You can find out more here.
About The Project
What is this project about?
This is an extension of the project that we ran in collaboration with Blue Heart back in 2024.
Why is this project important?
Slowly the flow of rainwater using rainwater capture devices can help protect homes and the environment by reducing surface water flooding, conserving water, and alleviating pressure on local sewers. This project will find out more about the way these devices work and increase understanding of the best measures to implement.
How does this benefit me?
You’ll save on water usage, contribute to helping flood prevention, and help your local community manage rainwater sustainably.
Monitors
Do I get to keep the monitors?
No we will arrange to come and collect them after a set amount of time.
Do I have to accept a monitor?
No you do not have to accept a monitor but this does mean this time you will not be eligible for a water capture device, we would love it if you could, as you would be helping inform understanding of rainwater capture devices and contributing to tackling issues like surface water flooding and sewer overflows.
Do I have to do anything with the monitor?
No, but we may contact you at some point to arrange maintenance or our collection of the monitor.
Can I move the monitor around?
No, these monitors are the property of Our Rainwater and disturbing them can limit the accuracy of the data they collect.
What privacy concerns are there regarding having a monitor? I'm a bit cautious with smart tech.
Our monitors don't connect to anything in your property nor have cameras or audio. These monitors simply measure the level of water in your rainwater capture device so we know how full/empty they get over time.
Does the monitor use my electricity?
No, these monitors are battery-powered, and they come installed with a battery.
Will these monitors be connected to anything on my property?
No, these monitors send us the data through a remote connection and does not connect to any device on your property.
Installations
You already installed a slow release water butt, can I have another one?
No, unfortunately not this time. But if you are in the eligible area, you may be able to have a monitor fitted to your existing water butt. We will be in touch with more information. If you like you should have been contacted about this, please drop us an email.
When will installations happen?
Installations are the 9th-11th of April, so get your preferred slot fast.
Do I have to be in for my installation?
No you don’t have to be in, if you are happy to leave our installation access to the location of your water butt or where one will be installed then we are happy to do so
Does it cost anything?
No, it’s completely free to eligible households, thanks to Blue Heart.
What's included in the installation?
Downpipe diverters and taps. We will also be installing monitors which we will come and collect after a couple of years.
Eligibility
I already completed the eligibility form last year, does this make me still eligible?
Yes, all you need to do is book an appointment slot. If your space has changed or your guttering has, then just notify us.
What does "property suitability" mean?
Your property must have the right drainage setup for rainwater capture, such as downpipes connected to gutters. Our friendly team will assist with this!