Hale residents – sign up for your free United Utilities rainwater planter

United Utilities is encouraging residents in Hale to sign up for free rainwater planter to help recycle rainwater, and re-use water in the garden this summer.

Installing the planters will play a part in reducing the number of times the storm overflows in the area operate and help to improve the water quality, as well as reducing the risk of surface water flooding. 150 residents have already signed up for the scheme with many already installed and reaping the benefits, but the water company is encouraging more locals to sign up for the innovative scheme.

The planters are not only good news for the drains network, but a welcome extra for residents looking to be more environmentally friendly and recycle water in their homes. In an average year, 5,280 litres of water could be made available for household extras, such as watering plants, washing off the wellies or cleaning muddy paws.

Katy Bevan, from United Utilities' rainwater management team, said: "The planters are an innovative option for any household wanting to do their bit and designed to help gardeners during both dry and wet spells.

"They act like a mini-water butt and hold 30 litres of water in a tank which can be used year-round for watering the garden or rinsing muddy boots.

"Once that tank is full, they continue to collect a further 160 litres of water which is held until it can be slowly released back into sewers when the heavy rain has passed."

“Each planter includes a small section at the top for planting and comes with four different low-maintenance plants chosen for their ability to retain water. Over the past two years, United Utilities has donated more than 1,600 water butts and smart water butts to customers, community groups, schools and allotments to support water efficiency and help lower the risk of surface water flooding.

They divert more than three million litres of water away from the sewer system.”

For more information on how to sign up for your free rainwater planter, and to learn how United Utilities are working with communities across the North West to save water and protect the environment, and tips for saving water in your home, visit www.unitedutilities.com