New gardens set to ‘rain-in’ flooding risk at Scottish Water’s Invergowrie office

A PILOT project to rainproof Scottish Water’s Invergowrie office has been completed as the publicly-owned water company looks to reduce the risk of flooding, and inspire others to follow suit.

The work has seen the creation of tree pits, rain gardens and permeable paving, which will allow rainwater to be managed, flowing into these natural features instead of the combined sewer network.

“All the water run-off in this car park is going down through the block system and into the trees. That is the primary focus, trying to get the water into the root garden.

We are trying to reutilise the water so that it doesn’t go into the system at all.”

Chris Magee
Mackenzie Construction’s Project Manager

The Bullion House Office in Invergowrie has experienced the impacts of climate change first-hand over the years, with a significant amount of flooding. This is not uncommon across Scotland with increasing challenges from extreme weather events and climate change.

The traditional drainage systems are not designed to cope with such intense volumes, so more sustainable and holistic approaches to managing rainwater are needed.

By reducing the amount of rainwater going into the Combined Sewer System, this in turn reduces the need for Combined Sewer Overflows coming into operation.

Bullion House will benefit from a reduction in the frequency and severity of flooding, whilst also reducing the amount of water in the sewer network travelling downstream.

Mackenzie Construction’s Project Manager Chris Magee, who carried out the project on Scottish Water’s behalf, said: “Providing the (planted) trees get good growth and good root spread, we should be able to draw in quite a bit of water here. All the water run-off in this car park is going down through the block system and into the trees. That is the primary focus, trying to get the water into the root garden.

“We are trying to reutilise the water so that it doesn’t go into the system at all. We are trying to let the vegetation and natural means take place for the trees and plants, we’re letting them feed at the same time as not putting water into a stretched system.”

This is one of several pilot projects across the country where Scottish Water is looking to invest in natural solutions - often called ‘blue green’ infrastructure.

Other advantages of these rainproof communities include air quality improvements and the increase of biodiversity through new habitats for pollinators, insects, and birds, while also making the areas more visually appealing.

“There are many simple things which can make a difference to reducing the risk of flooding, like planting trees, installing water butts, creating rain gardens or green roofs, or joining a community group. ”

Dom McBennett
Scottish Water’s Catchment Planner

Scottish Water’s Catchment Planner, Dom McBennett said: “There are many simple things which can make a difference to reducing the risk of flooding, like planting trees, installing water butts, creating rain gardens or green roofs, or joining a community group. These can all help towards reducing surface water and improving the environment, and can be incorporated at many homes and neighbourhoods.

“We are always looking to recruit new community champions from the younger generation too, and are delighted to invite Invergowrie Primary School to attend Bullion House later this month to see this project up-close and do some tree planting of their own.”