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United Utilities has set out designs for four sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) across Greater Manchester, which will be delivered with local authorities as part of the company’s plan to invest £9 million in the solution by 2025.
UU will work with Bolton Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Salford Council to create more than 12,500 square metres of natural drainage via investment of £1.3 million from the water company.
SuDS mimic natural drainage to slow rainwater and surface runoff before it enters sewers as a way to relieve pressure on the system and lessen the need to use storm overflows during heavy rainfall.
Johnny Phillips, surface water strategy manager at United Utilities, explained the projects offer multiple benefits of increasing climate change resilience by managing rainfall in a natural way.
He said: “Rainwater is a resource which all too often just runs down the drain where it enters the sewer system for treatment that it doesn’t need. SuDS help make the most of it by creatively managing it on the surface where it can be used to support nature in urban spaces, improve visual amenity, create natural habitats and benefit wildlife.”
This week the National Infrastructure Commission called for joined up planning and investment to reduce the risk of surface water flooding. It made a series of recommendations to the sector, its regulators and government. It highlighted the need to prioritise nature-based solutions and sustainable drainage in urbanised areas to protect properties from flooding.
UU’s investment will support Bolton Council to improve drainage in residential areas prone to flooding and add green spaces and permeable surfaces in the town centre for rainwater to seep through.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority will undertake two projects: green roofs, permeable paving and rainwater basins will be added to 16 publicly owned sites; secondly, a 96m raingarden will be created in Bury.
Salford City Council will receive funding towards a sustainable drainage neighbourhood pilot project. Trees with rainwater retention pits will be planted along with rain gardens and permeable paving to allow water to seep in.
After these four schemes, UU said it will invest £9 million before the end of this asset management period (AMP7) in SuDS across its region and will be accepting applications early next year.
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