Let It Drain

United Utilities have recently installed two 7.5m x 2.5m rain gardens along Blundell Street. Our design and delivery partners, EPG, have strategically placed the rain gardens to slow the flow of surface water from the road.

Rain gardens are attractive wildlife friendly spaces, which work to capture, slow and clean runoff. Using plants which are good at retaining high levels of rainwater over a short period of time can reduce pressure on water systems during periods of high rainfall.

The design is in keeping with nearby rain gardens installed along Upper Pitt Street that were also designed by EPG.

Creating impact through nature-based solutions

These interventions are all part of our wider plan to reduce overflows and improve water quality across the North West. From this project, we have managed to avoid ~30m3 of concrete stormwater storage - that's around 200 bathtubs* of water! Additionally, we have introduced new greenspaces for passersby to enjoy.

Projects like these move us closer to our end goal and help cities in the North West harness the natural beauty of their greenspaces in a sustainable way.

* Assuming a regular sized bathtub is 0.15m3

Local Solutions for a Resilient North West

Roots in the City is an example of our community projects. 

It is a community garden based at St Michael-in-the-City Church. The group supports the maintenance of rain gardens at Upper Pitt Street and plays an active role in promoting sustainable water use.

Through this project, we transformed an area of the garden to significantly enhance water reuse capacity. Over 2,000 litres of storage has been installed using a combination of water tanks, butts, and planters.

Accessibility has also been improved, with the installation of a wheelchair-accessible potting bench and raised planter, ensuring the space is inclusive for all members of the community.

Wider impact

This project helps to slow the flow of rainwater from the church roof entering the sewer system, contributing to better surface water management. At the same time, it provides the community group with a sustainable supply of captured rainwater to maintain their garden.

By delivering projects like this, we make meaningful progress towards our long-term goals while also empowering communities to achieve their own environmental and social ambitions.

Delivering SuDS within School Environments

United Utilities have recently completed a series of sustainable drainage features within the grounds of St Vincent de Paul Primary School, including rain gardens, SuDS planters, a tree pit and integrated landscaping.

Designed and delivered by GreenBlue Urban, these features have been carefully positioned across the site to intercept and manage surface water runoff. Areas previously prone to standing water are now draining more effectively. This will minimise disruption, creating a safer, more usable playground environment throughout the year.

The wider benefits: Future Leaders of Water (FLOW)

This scheme is part of Project FLOW (Future Leaders of Water), our rainwater management programme for schools. The mission is to inspire Future Leaders of Water across the North West by creating resilient eco-friendly spaces.

The addition of green infrastructure has also enhanced biodiversity, improved water quality, and created a more attractive and calming setting. These spaces support outdoor learning opportunities and help pupils engage with nature while also contributing positively to the wellbeing of both staff and students.

Coming Soon!

United Utilities are partnering with Liverpool One to install a number of rain gardens along Paradise Street, in the heart of Liverpool city. These will work along with the existing tree pits to reduce and slow the flow of rainwater before entering the sewer network.

As with Blundell Street, these rain gardens will also be attractive and wildlife friendly spaces, planted up with attractive climate resilient plants that can deal with dry and wet weather conditions.

By working in partnership, we are able to unlock more value for the people of Liverpool. Seating has been thoughtfully integrated into the design to offer the public a pleasant space to rest and reflect during their trip into the busy city.

These interventions are part of our wider solution to reduce overflows and improve water quality across the North West.