Water & Wastewater Treatment Magazine
Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/851629
28 | August 2017 | WWt | www.wwtonline.co.uk to enable its SuDS systems to be connected and monitored via its cloud-based hosting platform. OTA has just completed installation of retrofit systems in London through collaboration with the Future Cities Catapult. The OTA strategy is to maximise rainwater reuse whilst enabling stormwater control to be achieved. "At OTA our goal is to provide SuDS with multiple benefits," says Melville- Shreeve. "Put another way, we see rainwater as a resource, but design our systems to manage the threats of pluvial flooding. To date, we've incorporated rainwater reuse at every scheme we've installed. It's a complex process and so we have built a team of design engineers, community engagement officers and installation specialists to meet our customers' needs. Maximising rainwater reuse is a top priority within the UK's SuDS guidance, and as our climate and urban environments change, it's only going to become more important in the years ahead." Delivering impactful research that highlights best practice in smart and participatory approaches to rainwater management, based on real-world data from monitoring and engagement, is key to the Centre's work. This work has been co-produced through collaboration with a range of industrial partners such as Severn Trent Water, South West Water and a range of small to medium enterprises and approaches regarding potential collaborative projects are always welcome. Caption Rainwater Research In addition to the RainShare and OTA spin-outs, the University of Exeter's Centre for Water Systems rainwater research has also underpinned: • The testing, development and launch of the RainSafe device – a novel miniaturised treatment train to bring harvested rainwater to potable standard at the household scale (www.h2ozone.ie) • The testing, development and launch of the FlushRain device – a novel downpipe-located RWH system with lo -located storage (www.flushrain.co.uk) • The development of new tools for financial assessment that incorporate end-user perspectives on the design of RWH systems and prioritisation of costs and benefits • The development of a decision support tool for the optimal design of RWH systems • Evaluation of integrated water management interventions at Severn Trent's Urban Demonstrator under the TWENTY65 Project • Re-evaluating existing design standards on the sizing of rainwater tanks to cater for both water supply demand and flood storage • Investigating the potential impact of RWH on urban flood resilience through rainfall runoff modelling. The Knowledge: rainwater management RainShare gathers roof run-off water and makes use of it for the community Dr Sarah Ward is the founder of RainShare