Nine schools on the Isle of Wight will have sustainable drainage solutions (SuDs) installed over the next few months as part of a joint initiative with the Department of Education.
By slowing the flow of 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 storm water releases into the sea and local rivers in order to protect homes, businesses, schools and communities from flooding.
The project is in its second year after a successful first year where more than 40 schools benefitted from having SUDS.
The schools that will take part on the Isle of Wight include:
- Arreton St George's Church of England (Aided) Primary School - Newport
- Carisbrooke College – Newport
- Christ the King College – Newport
- Godshill Primary School – Godshill
- HunnyHill Primary School - Newport
- Isle of Wight College – Newport
- Niton Primary School – Ventnor
- Shalfleet Church of England Primary School – Shalfleet
- Wroxall Primary School - Wroxall
The project forms part of the work by Southern Water’s Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force aimed at significantly reducing storm overflows on the Isle of Wight and beyond.
The team are using innovative nature-based and engineering solutions, slowing the flow of ground and surface water that enters the sewer network.
Installing SuDS in the community not only prevents flooding and pollution incidents, but they can also provide environmental, social and placemaking benefits too.
This is being underpinned by crucial partnership working with businesses, schools, councils and highways teams.
It comes as Southern Water has also announced how it will be tackling storm overflows in the long-term with the launch of its Clean Rivers and Seas Plan, which sets out £1.5bn of investment between 2025-2035 to get to the root cause of storm overflows.
Nicole McNab, Southern Water’s Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force Strategic Communications and Partnership Delivery Lead, said:
“These schools are playing a big role in our work to reduce storm overflows across our region.
"Their help is making a real difference in reducing the amount of water entering our network and helps us ensure healthier rivers and seas.
"We’re looking forward to replicating these fantastic projects in more schools across our region in the coming months.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Education’s Schools Water Strategy said:
“Not only do SuDS help reduce flood risk, but they also improve the school surroundings and create educational opportunities.
“Through the installation of SuDS, Southern Water is playing an important role in helping us to make the school estate more sustainable and resilient to the risks of climate change.”
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