Southern Water has published a new report explaining why there are coastal storm releases in Margate and how working together can significantly reduce them.

Margate is one of five pathfinder projects which the water company's Storm Overflow Task Force is responsible for delivering the next two years. The five areas have been selected as they pose complex challenges to overcome, have a higher volume of storm overflow spills, or require an innovative approach to tackle the local wastewater treatment issues.

Each project will be completed in the following three stages:

• Initial survey of the catchment area and action any immediate interventions. This could include cleaning screens and pipes to reduce the chance of blockages.
• Implement ‘no regret’ interventions and establish pilots of new concepts and approaches. This could include measures such as controlled improvements on existing assets and piloting new schemes and incentives to encourage surface water management within the pathfinder catchment.
• Implementing larger and more complex interventions to deliver the desired outcome for the project. This will involve working in partnership to deliver at scale. Examples of the types of interventions that could be implemented at this stage include: installing soakaways, roadside swales, rain gardens in schools; real time smart control of sewer networks, highway drainage enhancements and development of public green spaces.

To successfully reduce the use of storm overflows, Southern Water wants to work in collaboration with a range of partners at all levels and across all industries - the pathfinder projects will demonstrate how strong partnerships can make a real difference. The water company is working alongside Kent County Council, Thanet District Council, and residents to improve drainage in the area and drive down the use of storm overflows.

In Margate, storm overflow releases occur in the area due to the town’s predominantly combined sewer system, with both wastewater and rain runoff entering the same network. During heavy downpours, rain overloads the system and to avoid homes, businesses, schools and roads flooding, excess water is released into the sea. The releases are around 95% rainwater but have not been subject to the full wastewater treatment process.

The types of intervention identified in the report set out a mix of innovative and traditional solutions including:

• removing and slowing the flow of rainwater in the network
• making better use of the existing infrastructure
• removing impermeable surfaces
• creating sustainable drainage in parks
• diverting rainwater to the environment
• investing in new assets.

The company is also calling on residents to help conserve water and create more green spaces. It welcomes residents sharing information, photos, and suggestions on where improvements could be made in their community.

Dr Nick Mills, Head of Southern Water’s Storm Overflow Task Force, said:

“This report is only the start of the journey towards a sustainable drainage system in Margate. We will work with partners to better understand the existing drainage systems, to identify and deliver opportunities for improvement, and plan together for the sustainable growth of the town of Margate.

“What we ask of our partners and the community is to continue to support that journey, with photos and data, ideas and enthusiasm so that together we can agree how decisions can be made, now and in the future for the benefit of our environment.”

Leader of Thanet District Council, Cllr Ash Ashbee, added:

“It’s vital that we all work together to do what we can to improve our local environment. We’re all too aware of the damage that coastal storm releases cause in our area and we welcome this proactive approach to help improve drainage and drive down the use of storm overflows.

"While Southern Water is rightly investing significantly in improvements to their infrastructure, we all have a role to play. The district council will be working closely with the water company, our colleagues at KCC and the local community, doing all we can to collectively tackle this issue.”

Southern Water is taking an evidence-based approach - the initial findings can be found in the Margate Pathfinder technical report.

Click here to download the Margate Pathfinder Technical Report June 2022