Project to conserve drinking water in Brighton completed
Rainwater's being collected for use on allotments in Falmer, Tenantry Down and Lower Roedale.
A project helping to conserve Brighton's drinking water by collecting rainwater, has been completed.
Up to two thousand litres will be collected and used on allotments in Falmer, Tenantry Down and Lower Roedale.
Each station has two tanks capable of holding and filtering up to 2,000 litres of rainwater, allowing plants to be watered without using drinking water supplies.
In Falmer, where no piped water is available, the rainwater station provides a vital alternative.
It's also thought it'll give allotments a boost during summer months, when plants need the most water and demand for mains water is at its peak, according to the council.
Allotments "thriving places of community"
Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sports, Recreation and Libraries, said: “Allotments are more than places to grow food – they are thriving places of community, wellbeing and biodiversity.
"Initiatives like this rainwater harvesting pilot support allotment holders to adapt to changing weather patterns and garden more sustainably while reducing pressure on the mains water supply.”
The new systems feature metal corrugated roofs and guttering designed to collect as much rainwater as possible.
They are also built to prevent algae growth and freezing during colder weather.
Kayleigh Sharman, Southern Water water efficiency manager, said:
“Water is one of our most precious resources.
"The Southern Water Business Partnership Fund is an innovative scheme aiming to promote water efficiency in our region and find new ways to save water.
"It has been a pleasure supporting Brighton & Hove City Council to achieve water savings at three allotment sites.”