25 October 2019

We’re adding more rain gardens so H&F has fewer floods

With flash-flooding on the rise, H&F Council is doing more than ever to protect residents from its effects.

Categories:
Environment

The new SuDS scheme in Australia Road, White City

With flash-flooding on the rise due to climate change, H&F Council is doing more than ever to protect residents from its effects.

To address the climate emergency and as part of future-proofing the borough against extreme weather events the council has installed 16 sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) schemes, with six more under construction, or planned.

SuDS schemes use ‘rain gardens’ or specialist surfaces that store water and let it drain slowly over time, rather than flowing quickly into the city’s already under-strain sewer system.

“We’re taking steps to future-proof the borough against flooding as part of our work to address the climate emergency,” said Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for Environment.

“That’s why we’re regarded as one of London’s leading borough on SuDS.

“These schemes have multiple benefits; not only do they relieve pressure on the historic combined sewer system, they provide opportunities for planting plants and trees that create more pleasant streets for residents and improve local biodiversity.”

SuDS schemes also help to reduce ‘urban heat island’ effect, where large swathes of concrete reflect heat, making cities warmer than rural areas.