Sustainable sewage solutions key to helping tackle flood risks

Combined sewer overflows, CSOs, act as a relief valve when the wastewater network gets overwhelmed (usually in heavy rain), ensuring that sewage and rainwater doesn’t back up and flood homes and businesses. What happens instead, is that the excess water is discharged through an outlet (the CSO) into a watercourse.

With our climate getting wetter for longer, and population growth increasing the amount of sewage that needs treating, the combined sewer network begins to struggle.

Our experts are involved in helping to tackle the problem, working with water companies and contractors to design improved CSOs and storage tanks and reduce harm to the environment.

The projects we’re currently tackling involve a multi-discipline Signature Team across civils, drainage, mechanical and electrical, highways and project management, bringing together skills and experience to support our clients with the best solutions.

You can see one of the CSOs we’re working on – Dearne Hall Road – here. It’s part of a £180m investment by Yorkshire Water, and we’re supporting Sapphire Utility Solutions with the design of the storage tank.

We’re also doing some exciting work on SuDS – Sustainable Drainage Systems – which are often seen in new housing developments and school grounds and include things like swales and attenuation ponds, as well as rainwater harvesting equipment such as water butts.

These are a really effective way of dealing with heavy rainfall – slowing it down and keeping it in the ground or a container so it doesn’t get into the sewers and overwhelm the wastewater system. Our SuDS installations are also educational, giving pupils the chance to get a first-hand look at how the water cycle works, and have other environmental benefits, such as creating new habitats and supporting wildlife.

Together, our work on CSOs and storm tanks, and our involvement in a range of SuDS projects, are part of the long-term solution to water catchment and wastewater management.

Talk to our experts at Flood & Coast 2024! Our drainage and flood risk consultants are dedicated to designing efficient and sustainable water management systems for diverse construction and infrastructure projects; building long-term flood and environmental resilience for clients and their communities.