The idea
In Chester most of the sewage network is 'combined sewage', meaning rainwater is combined with sewage before getting treated. At times of heavy rainfall when the pipes are at capacity, to stop this raw sewage spewing back out of the drains & onto the streets, it goes over a weir & into the Dee.
This is a particular bad in cities due to all the concrete & tarmac, meaning no water gets held on the land - that's where this project comes in.
These planters will hold back & slowly release water, reducing the peak flow & therefore lowering the raw sewage spils into the Dee. Simultaneously, this project will improve biodiversity & most importantly, as this will be at QPHS, it provides huge educational potential.
In order to maximise this potential, along side the planters will be all kinds of educational artwork created by students & local artists. Including a huge diving King Fisher sculpture, one of the UKs iconic species threatened by increasingly poor river water quality in the UK.
What we'll deliver
- Install 15 SUDS planters
- Engage the school with the issue of water quality
- Improve biodiversity in the school grounds
- Install educational, impactful artwork to act as a wider catalyst for change
Why it's a great idea
In summary this project will deliver the following benefits;
- It will reduce the chance and frequency that Raw Sewage will spill into the Dee, which in tern improves water quality. This has the benefits of more on and in water users as well as improving biodiversity
- It will educate an entire high school about the impact of water quality and why it is so important as well as giving tips and hints to how they themselves can improve it.
- It will provide a inspirational art piece that all passers by can see improving the neighbourhood and educating the general public.
- It will increase the on land biodiversity through the plants in the planters and thus providing food and shelter for insects and birds.
Steps to get it done
- Install 15 planters
- Create inspirational artwork for all to enjoy
