13 schools across the Isle of Wight teamed up with Southern Water to install special ‘water slowing’ solutions on their grounds – so the sewer network is protected during and after heavy rainfall.
By slowing the flow of surface water from hard surfaces like classroom roofs and playgrounds, sewers are less likely to see huge jumps in volume in short timeframes, which can go on to trigger the use of storm overflow releases into the environment to protect homes, businesses, schools and communities from flooding.
Thanks to a £1.7million project jointly funded by Southern Water and the Department for Education, schools across Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have had sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) installed.
Pupils have welcomed the arrival of raingarden planters and water butts over recent months, providing an alternative to water being directly channelled into drains and then the combined sewer network. The project has also provided an opportunity for Southern Water to engage with school pupils and staff on other issues, including flooding protection and water use.
The 13 schools on the Isle of Wight to benefit are Ryde Academy; Bembridge Primary School; Brighstone Primary School; The Bay School; Cowes Primary School; Northwood Primary School; Dover Park Primary; Oakfield Primary School; Binstead Primary School; Chillerton and Rookley Primary School; Yarmouth Primary School; Wootton Primary School and Holy Cross Primary School.
At Ryde Academy, the project has been assisted by an enthusiastic group of children who have been led by Naomi Hallam who helped to decide the location of the planters based on factors such as sunlight and CCTV coverage.
Naomi said:
“I’ve enjoyed being able to work with Southern Water and help out the school.”
The project is just 1 of many ways Southern Water is looking at working to reduce storm overflows through projects led by its Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force.
Southern Water’s Project Lead Nicole McNab added:
“This is a fantastic project that showcases how crucial partnership working is. I’d like to thank the schools, students and staff for participating in the scheme, as well as the Department for Education for establishing the programme.
“All the schools involved are helping to slow the flow of rainwater entering our network, and we have seen real enthusiasm from all taking part. It has given us a great opportunity to explain the work we’re doing to reduce flooding and storm overflows to a younger audience and answer any questions teachers may have. We’re working together to reduce storm overflows and protect our rivers and seas.”
Yet no one turns off the hot water tap in the Gents Toilet by the Pier
nr Gossips Cafe in Yarmouth.