Pilot launches in Craigleith to reduce flooding

Scottish Water is launching an exciting pilot initiative to help reduce the risk of flooding in Craigleith.

The publicly owned water utility has identified two areas of around 116 properties where residents will be offered the chance to have planters and/or water butts installed free of charge.

The installation of planters and water butts, which are elements of blue/green infrastructure, will help mitigate the risk of flooding by capturing excess rainwater runoff from roofs which can overwhelm the drainage system during heavy rainfall. 

“The escalating challenges posed by climate change, especially the frequency and severity of storms in Scotland, highlight the urgent need for innovative approaches to rainwater management.

Our traditional drainage systems are not designed to cope with such volumes, so we must look at more sustainable ways to manage rainwater.”

Ed Ptolomey
Project Manager at Scottish Water

Blue-green infrastructure refers to the use of natural features such as plants, trees, wetlands, and ponds to store, filter, and slow down water. It provides other benefits such as biodiversity and recreation and works alongside traditional underground pipe networks to reduce the burden on the drainage system, and ultimately protect the environment.

It is one of the first times Scottish Water has used this approach to target a neighbourhood and is a proactive step towards sustainable urban water management.

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.

Ed Ptolomey, Project Manager at Scottish Water, said:

“The escalating challenges posed by climate change, especially the frequency and severity of storms in Scotland, highlight the urgent need for innovative approaches to rainwater management.

“Our traditional drainage systems are not designed to cope with such volumes, so we must look at more sustainable ways to manage rainwater.

“Sustainable solutions such as the installation of planters and water butts can mitigate these effects by diverting excess rainwater from sewer systems, thereby reducing the risk of overwhelming the drainage system.

“These green infrastructure elements not only serve a functional purpose but also contribute to the aesthetic enhancement of urban spaces, promoting well-being among residents and benefiting local wildlife.”

“By embracing such eco-friendly practices, communities can effectively adapt to the changing climate while fostering a healthier, more resilient environment.”

The pilot project is being delivered by Sudsplanter on behalf of Scottish Water. Teams will go door-to-door in a selected number of streets including Ravelston House, Ravelston Park, Ravelston Grove, Craigleith View and Craigleith Crescent.

Those who sign up will be offered free installation of the appropriate planters and/or butts, and they will be monitored to ensure their functionality is maintained by Scottish Water twice a year for two years.

Scottish Water will also be carrying out research with the householders to understand their experience throughout the project.