Rainwater Management in Eastbourne
Tackling surface water flooding and sewer spills with optimised sustainable drainage.
We engaged hundreds of residents, installed over 100 water butts and are now constantly collecting data about their performance.
Find out how our industry first, 3 stage approach supports community-based rainwater management that:
- Reduces pressure on drainage systems
- Is scalable whilst maximising return on investment
- Helps water companies and local authorities hit their targets
This project was created in collaboration with Blue Heart Project, East Sussex Council and Southern Water.
Tackle sewer spills and surface water flooding in your area
What did we achieve?
Uptake of over 100 water butts in the targeted areas has provided over 20,000 litres of attenuation, helping to slow the flow during heavy rainfall and reducing the likelihood of drainage network overwhelm and surcharge.
25 monitors were placed using optimsied placement and key parameter methods to collect the most scientific and valuable data to produce insights around device real-world performance.
Rated 5*s by participants
100% uptake of available devices
Real-time monitoring of devices
Over 860 registrations of interest
Combined attenuation of 20,000 litres
Project Goals
The primary goals of our project were to:
- Identify areas where installations would have the most impact
- Increase awareness and interest of residents, driving up take of 100 water butts
- Facilitate long-term buy-in of residents, so they maintain the devices
- Monitor the real-world performance of these devices over two years
Why was this project needed?
Like many seaside towns, Eastbourne is at risk from both surface water and coastal flooding. Multiple methods are needed to address the unique situation:
Grazing areas with natural water channels that surround Eastbourne have been replaced with houses and roads. Urbanisation has increased impermeable surfaces like rooftops, roads and driveways causing runoff to rush into drainage systems faster - leading to overwhelm.
Eastbourne has a Victorian sewerage system, not designed for current population or changes in climate and weather. As this is a combined sewer, sudden and extreme downpours can lead to surface water flooding and sewer spills.
The Process
- 1. Modelling
- 2. Community Engagement
- 3. Monitoring
Phase 1
To maximise ROI and reduce the most pressure on drainage systems, our optimisation modelling identified the highest impact areas for installations.
We aligned this with project goals and challenges to help alleviate strain on the network without compromising community participation.
How could a project like this help you?
- For Water Company
- For Local Authorities
- For Communities
We know water companies are under intense pressure. We can help with the following and more:
- Avoid fines: Reduce the volume of rainwater entering drainage systems, helping to tackle CSOs.
- Reach regulatory targets: Reaching 0 spills by 2050 and other strict targets.
- Improve public trust: Build rapport with communities, involving them in the solution and improve sentiment.
- Reduce operational costs: Slowing the flow into drainage systems can help avoid costly upgrades.
- Encourage behaviour change: Improve understanding around water consumption and sewer misuse.
- Champion innovation: Use cutting edge methods, informed by data, AI and purposefully designed tools.
Here is what householders have had to say
Very easy to sign up.”
“Helpful staff and efficient installations.”
“Great idea and service. Overall exceptional experience.”
“Good, efficient, installed quickly.”
Create a project like this in your community.
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.