Getting Wise with Rainwater
Northumbrian Water is becoming ‘Rainwise’ to keep the sewer network flowing while at the same time restoring the natural environment.
Northumbrian Water’s Rainwise initiative aims to work with communities and partners to manage the amount of surface water that enters the sewer network. This will help reduce the risk of sewer flooding during heavy precipitation events while also protecting the environment from pollution.
Leading the way
To reduce the risk of sewer flooding, while enhancing the environment, Northumbrian Water has begun installing rainwater harvesting tanks around some its large offices to collect and store rainfall from the roof of the buildings. Each rainwater harvesting tank holds up to 2,300 liters with the captured rainwater used by the utility’s jetting fleet, who fill up their specialized vehicles with rainwater, instead of potable water, to flush out the sewers: In 2018 alone, there were around 12,000 blockages from things wrongly put down the drain, including wet wipes, fats, oils, and greases.
Putting potable water to better use
Normally, blockages are cleared using a jet of high-pressure water through the sewer network to break up the clog while at the same time cleaning out the inside of the pipe to prevent further build-up and damage. However, using potable water is not climate-friendly with chemical and energy costs involved in its treatment and distribution. Instead, the Rainwise initiative promotes the reuse of stormwater for beneficial purposes while also mitigating localized flooding during heavy downpours.
Get Rainwise at home
Northumbrian Water is also encouraging customers to get Rainwise at home, by recommending small changes to homes and gardens, including the use of water butts and rainwater planters, to help save water and manage rainfall locally.
The take-out
Rainwater harvesting can simultaneously reduce demand for potable water, mitigate flooding risks, and enhance the natural environment.
