Portsmouth region to benefit from new community fund to kick-start storm overflow reduction initiatives

Communities in Portsmouth, Fareham, Havant and Gosport are being invited to play their part in tackling the wider causes of storm overflows thanks to the launch of a new community fund.

Customers can put forward suggestions for where and how they want to reduce surface  water entering the combined sewer.

It is this inundation of extra water which can cause our pipes and treatment works to reach capacity during and after prolonged rainfall – then triggering storm overflows into the environment, to prevent communities from being flooded.

Joanne Wood, Partnership Delivery Manager for Southern Water’s Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force, said:

“We know how passionate our communities are about the local environment and waterways, and this is why we want to work with them and hear about their ideas to slow the flow of rainwater. We are looking for creative solutions which bring people together to jointly make a difference and contribute to cleaner river and seas.

“This could be anything from having a whole street where every home has a slow drain water butt to community groups and businesses installing rain planters and mini wetlands. 

“If this community partnership initiative is a success in the Portsmouth area, we hope to roll it out to other communities across our region.”

The scheme is now open and will close on 12th June.  Groups and individuals on behalf of a group can apply for up to £3,000 in funding for their sustainable drainage ideas. For more information visit SuDs Community Fund (southernwater.co.uk)

What is Sustainable Drainage, known as SuDS? 

During heavy rain, local sewer networks can struggle to cope with the amount of water entering pipes and storage tanks. When they fill up, we use pressure relief valves built into the network, known as storm overflows. These overflows release excess water through outfalls into rivers and the sea to stop homes and businesses from flooding. 

 The best way to reduce storm overflows is to reduce the amount of water that enters the system during heavy rainfall. SuDS play a great role in doing this, by slowing down the water and increasing green spaces for the community.  This is why we’re focussing our SuDS Community Fund on our ‘slow the flow’ initiative, challenging you to install innovative new ways to reduce excess water from entering and overwhelming the system. 

How are Southern Water playing their part in reducing storm overflows? 

Reducing storm overflows is our number one priority and last year we launched our Clean Rivers and Seas Plan which sets out how we will spend £1.5bn between 2025-2035 to get to the root cause of these. 

Our Clean Rivers and Seas Task Force are currently focusing on nature-based and engineering solutions to this issue with seven pathfinder projects in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex.  

When can I apply? 

The fund, which will give groups and people the chance to apply for £3000 each, is set to launch at the beginning of May. It will be open until June 12. To find out more and apply visit SuDs Community Fund (southernwater.co.uk) southernwater.co.uk)