Dŵr Cymru starts innovative £15 million investment in Llanelli

Dŵr Cymru is investing £15 million in the Llanelli area as part of a new and innovative scheme to manage surface water. The scheme, known as RainScape, will reduce the amount of rainwater which flows into local public drainage systems and will therefore reduce the risk of flooding.

The scheme is anticipated to remove around 20% of the surface water runoff currently entering the sewerage network in the area. The innovative surface water management techniques, developed in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council, will include installing attractive planted areas and new green space that will absorb the water. The scheme is particularly needed in the area as Llanelli sees almost as much storm water in its network as Swansea, despite the fact that Swansea serves three times the number of properties, and three times the area compared with Llanelli.

The first scheme, at Queen Mary’s Walk, will be launched on Friday 21st June by Alun Davies, the Welsh Government’s Minister for Natural Resources and Food and also Nigel Annett, Managing Director of Dŵr Cymru. Local MP Nia Griffith and Assembly Members, Keith Davies and Joyce Watson will also be attending.

This scheme involves installing a ‘swale’ (a shallow vegetated channel) on the playing field at Queen Mary’s Walk, which will be carefully landscaped with a range of plants and flowers to help improve the local landscape. Planters will also be installed along Regalia Terrace.

The football pitch at Queen Mary’s Walk will not be affected by the RainScape solutions.

Customers in the area have been kept informed of the developments and a well attended exhibition has been held to discuss the proposals with local residents. Planning permission for the scheme was received from Carmarthenshire local authority in December 2012.

While roads will remain open during this planned work, temporary traffic measures will be used to ensure that access is retained for residents at all times whilst the work is taking place. It is anticipated that the work will be completed by October 2013.

Nigel Annett, Managing Director for Dŵr Cymru, Welsh Water says: “The delivery of RainScape is a sustainable, future proof system that will significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the local area. We are proud of the fact that it is the first of its kind anywhere in the UK and it reflects our goals to prevent sewage flooding, reduce our impact on the environment and provide our customers with a first class service.

“The examples of Malmo, Sweden, and Portland, USA, which are guiding our work, clearly demonstrate that short term disruption now will bring significant long term benefits. In both instances the sustainable drainage schemes have reduced flooding, enhanced biodiversity and kick started regeneration. We expect this innovative and sustainable approach to bring similar benefits to Llanelli and the surrounding area.”

Carmarthenshire County Council Executive Board Member for Technical Services, Cllr Colin Evans says: “The authority are very pleased to be working with Dwr Cymru Welsh Water and other partners in delivering solutions to problems brought about by climate change; this scheme is innovative and a sustainable solution, one of a number required to meet challenges brought about by changes in our environment while also accommodating economic growth.”

Welsh Water is investing heavily and working hard to ensure top quality services to all the communities it serves. The company is investing £1.5 billion in its water and sewerage network between 2010 and 2015.

It is a ‘not-for-profit company’ which has been owned by Glas Cymru since 2001. Welsh Water does not have shareholders, and any financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of customers.