Northumbrian Water is encouraging Sunderland residents to get involved in a community-led initiative aimed at reducing the risk of flooding.
As part of its surface water management programme, Rainwise, Northumbrian Water is investigating potential flood risk around the Hylton Castle area. This includes Town End Farm, Castletown, Hylton Red House, Downhill and Southwick.
Growing numbers of people, heavier rainfall and more hard surfaces that don’t absorb water are putting increasing pressure on the sewer network.
Managing the amount and the speed of surface water entering the network can help to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.
Residents are being inspired to get ‘rainwise’ by attaching water butts to roof guttering, growing plants and shrubs and using less water around the home to free up space within the pipes.
Providing Northumbrian Water with information about any surface water issues in the area will also help the company explore any possible improvements that can be made to reduce flood risk in future.
Northumbrian Water’s community vehicle “Flo,” will be parked at Sainsbury’s Sunderland North Superstore, Riverside Road, Sunderland, SR5 3JG from 10.00am until 2.00pm on Wednesday May 3, 2017 for residents to find out more about the initiative and share their flooding experiences.
Customers can also share their views and experiences on Northumbrian Water’s community website at www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk.
Project Manager for the scheme, Chris Bond, explained: “We know how devastating flooding can be and we’re taking steps to try and reduce the risk of it occurring in future.
“We’re encouraging residents in the area to come and talk to us on-board Flo, help us understand local flood risk issues from their perspective and raise awareness about the small steps people can take to reduce their own flood risk. The results can really add up if everyone does something.”