Rainproofing Prestwick
Scottish Water is launching an exciting pilot initiative to help reduce the risk of flooding in Prestwick.
A neighbourhood of around 250 properties has been identified where residents will be offered the chance to have planters and/or water butts installed free of charge.
Called blue/green infrastructure, they will capture rainwater runoff from roofs that can overwhelm the drainage system during heavy rainfall.
It’s the first time Scottish Water has used this approach to target a whole neighbourhood to reduce the flooding risk for residents further downstream.
The project is being delivered by Clancy on behalf of Scottish Water and community engagement begins in April 2024.
At a Glance
- Blue-Green Project
- Nature-based solution
- Engagement starts 22 April
- Delivered by Clancy
planters capture roof run off
surface water is diverted away from the sewer network
Why We are Doing It
The initiative is part of Scottish Water’s wider strategy to use natural solutions to enhance the resilience of communities and the environment to the impacts of climate change.
We are facing increasing challenges from climate change, particularly with the increasing intensity and number of storm events in Scotland.
Traditional drainage systems are not designed to cope with such volumes, so we must look at more sustainable ways to manage rainwater.
Blue-green infrastructure refers to the use of natural features such as plants, trees, wetlands, and ponds to store, filter, and slow down water, as well as provide other benefits such as biodiversity, recreation, and wellbeing. It works alongside traditional underground pipe networks.
By mimicking the natural water cycle surface water run-off from roofs can be removed and diverted away from the sewers into planters and butts, as well as swales, raingardens, and permeable surfaces in larger areas.
This reduces the likelihood that the network will be overwhelmed and have to use the overflows.
They look great, and will enhance the environment for communities and wildlife creating.
When We are Doing It
Teams will go door-to-door within the boundaries of Maryborough Road, Grangemuir Road, Ayr Road (both sides), and the rail track from the week starting 22nd April, 2024.
Customers will be asked if they would consider installation, and sign up for a roof assessment to establish the appropriate measures for their properties.
Clancy will then return to install planters and water butts which will be monitored and maintained by Scottish Water for two years.
Blue Green
Free water butts like these will be offered to a Prestwick neighbourhood to capture roof run off to reduce the risk of flooding. And they look great too!
Latest News - April 2024
Public Consultation
Residents can learn more about the initiative and how they can get involved at a public consultation on Saturday, April 13th at Bellevue Carpark at St Ninian’s Park, from 11 am - 2 pm.
Scottish Water wants to understand how local people use the park and car park and get their vital feedback on ideas to enhance the space with nature-based solutions in future development.
The consultation is being carried out by AtkinsRéalis on behalf of Scottish Water.
We want to hear what residents and stakeholders think and use their local knowledge to help inform and shape development and improvement for the community who use the park the most.
This could be things like raingardens, swales, or areas of permeable paving. This kind of blue-green approach can offer place-making opportunities and improve the environment for everyone.
Representatives from the team delivering the pilot planters and water butts project will also be there to talk about the launch of the property-level pilot and answer any questions.
The blue-green project is one of a raft of investment proposals for the Prestwick area, following the outcome of the Prestwick Strategic Drainage Study.
If you can’t make it along to St Ninian’s Park on the day, you can still have your say. Just head to Rainproofing Prestwick
