Southern goes back to school to cut storm discharges

Some 50 schools across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex and Kent are set to take part in an innovative £1.6m project, jointly funded by Southern Water and the Department for Education, to reduce storm overflow discharges.

The project aims to remove, or slow the flow of, excess rainwater runoff from hard surfaces during periods of heavy rainfall. Sustainable Drainage Systems will be installed in the schools, including a mixture of rain harvesting and nature-based systems such as rain gardens and rain planters.

Work to install SuDS will start in the New Year and will be carried out by charity Groundwork South.