Major infrastructure project to 'slow the flow' of rainwater aims to tackle flooding in Fylde

More than 250 rainwater planters have been installed across homes in Freckleton to help ’slow the flow’ and improve flood resilience in the village.

United Utilities has worked with the local community and Fylde Council to offer free rainwater planters to suitable homes in Freckleton.

By slowing the flow of rainwater during times of heavy rainfall, the planters can play an important role in easing pressure on the sewer network and help boost flood resilience.

Householders who took up the offer are collectively saving more than 45,000 litres of rainwater – the equivalent of 305 bathtubs – from immediately entering the combined sewer network when it rains.

The project was one of the first to be delivered as part of United Utilities’ region-wide £280 million Rainwater Management programme.

David Bryan from the company’s Rainwater Management team explained: “Through our multi-million programme we are working working with partners across the North West to introduce measures which will help manage rainwater where it falls.

Capturing, removing or re-using rainwater before it enters the sewer network increases capacity in the system and means it can be channelled into green spaces to benefit communities and the environment.

“The planters that we have installed in Freckleton provide a simple and effective way of helping to manage surface water and enhancing the village’s flood resilience.

“They also give gardeners a helping hand during dry spells.”

How do the planters work?

The attractive planters are made in the North West and are installed onto a down pipe.

They feature a 150-litre tank that holds back rainwater to prevent it all hitting the sewer network at the same time.

There’s also a 30L rainwater storage tank which acts like a mini water butt, perfect for use around the garden.

A typical house roof gathers around 30,000 litres of rainwater every year – equivalent to 300 bathtubs of water. Typically, this water goes straight down the drain and mixes with the foul water putting extra pressure on sewers.

Fylde Council’s Lead Member for Environment Thomas Threlfall welcomed the programme saying: "We're pleased to see United Utilities taking this proactive approach. So far, everyone I have spoken with has been satisfied with the installation, and it's great to work alongside United Utilities to deliver this project.

"It's an attractive piece of garden furniture too, as well as making a real practical difference for residents and helping manage rainwater and reduce flooding risks. We very much welcome this initiative and thank United Utilities for supporting our communities in this way."