Overview

This project is an important part of Severn Trent Water’s Green Recovery Programme, which aims to improve river health as part of its "Get River Positive" campaign. The initiative focuses on creating bathing-friendly areas along the River Leam in Leamington Spa and the River Teme in Shropshire, showcasing Severn Trent's commitment to embracing innovation in its mission to deliver sustainability.

With a significant investment of £78 million, the project seeks to enhance water quality across over 50km of river in Warwickshire and Shropshire, setting the stage for future improvements to other waterways.

What they did

SDS was tasked with designing, manufacturing, and installing a surface water storage and attenuation system that effectively links new and existing sewer networks.

This installation represents Severn Trent's first deployment of the long-established SDS GEOlight® system. It features a GEOlight® tank measuring 40m x 34m, with a storage capacity exceeding 2 million litres, strategically located beneath a 1.2ha playing field adjacent to Milverton Primary School and the Leamington Spa Conservation Area. New surface water sewers will also be laid on several roads within Leamington Spa to facilitate effective discharge into the GEOlight® tank.

This important improvement is essential for protecting sewage treatment works from overload, helping to prevent combined sewer overflow (CSO) spills into the River Leam.

Results

By enhancing stormwater storage capacity, this project aligns with Policy 8 of the Warwickshire Waste Core Strategy and Policy DS3 of the Warwick District Council Local Plan, significantly reducing the incidence of spills into the River Leam. Furthermore, it addresses the core sustainable development objectives outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), delivering substantial economic, social and environmental benefits.

In summary, the Milverton project highlights the dedication of both SDS and Severn Trent Water to innovative water management solutions. By benefiting community well-being and promoting environmental resilience, this initiative is crucial in the effort to achieve healthier rivers and a more sustainable future for everyone.