A smart water storage system developed by SDS has been installed at Rheinmetall BAE Systems (RBSL) in Telford as part of a wider flood mitigation initiative led by Shropshire Council.

The project forms part of the River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) programme, which aims to reduce flood risk and improve climate resilience through the use of advanced water management technologies. The 10,000-litre tank captures rainwater from the site’s roof and uses wireless technology to monitor storage levels in real time.

The system is designed to release water automatically ahead of forecast rainfall events, freeing up capacity to accommodate incoming stormwater and reducing pressure on local drainage infrastructure. The stored water is also available for on-site use, reducing reliance on mains supply and supporting water efficiency.

Dr Neil Sewell, Director of New Technology Systems at SDS, explained:

“By 2050, England is projected to require an additional five billion litres of water per day. This is not sustainable if we continue to rely solely on drinking water infrastructure.”

The installation at RBSL follows the wider rollout of smart water butts to rural sites across Shropshire, including farms, where the same principles are being applied to reduce runoff and manage water more effectively in both wet and dry conditions.

The RSPAWIR programme received £4 million in government funding and continues to engage businesses and landowners across the region to explore how intelligent water infrastructure can support climate adaptation.

Read the BBC article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr78dp4507vo

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