AWMS ‘Rain to Drain’ solutions reduce flood risk and improve water management

Howard Chapman, Buildingtalk Editor,  joined the AWMS Thames Barrier cruise.

Last week, I was invited by Alumasc to join their cruise from Westminster to the Thames Barrier for a briefing on Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS) new joined-up brand that harnesses the expertise of four trusted icons of water management.

Besides being a fun trip and great hospitality, it was a chance to network with industry professionals and learn more about flood risk and water management. The OECD says water security is one of the key limiting factors to economic growth. However, new solutions can help break the link between economic growth, water consumption and energy use.

Rain to Drain

Steve Durdant-Hollamby, MD of AWMS introduced the new brand:

“Alumasc has been promoting the efficient use, retention, recycling and disposal of water within the built environment for over 80 years. Now, it combines the knowledge and unique benefits of these four brands to provide one simple solution in water management”.

AWMS harnesses the expertise of four trusted brands in water management:

• Skyline – Fascia, Soffit & Copings
• Alumasc Rainwater – Gutters & Downpipes
• Harmer – Building Drainage
• Gatic – Civil Drainage

Controlling water

Whether you are managing rainwater, surface water or waste water, controlling water in the built environment has never been more important.

New flood prevention legislation, tighter water quality standards and advancing sustainable building practices puts greater pressure on products and processes to manage water effectively and efficiently in commercial and residential settings.

Alumasc Water Management Solutions offers the specialist knowledge and range of industry-leading products to help manage water originating inside or outside buildings, protecting structures and providing solutions to convey it safely to discharge into water course, sewer or ground.

Where will all tomorrow’s water go?

Michael White, Business Development Director of AWMS explained why our industry needs to be more aware of flood risk & water management.

Water under pressure

Water is a resource under pressure because of

• Climate change
• Population and industrial growth
• Expanding cities
• Higher living standards

This mean food security is threatened and competition for water could lead to conflict.

The need for effective water management is increasing in the UK

• 2 million properties (1 in 6) at risk of flooding
• 8 million as a direct result of surface water flooding
• 1 million new properties by 2020

Urban development without sustainable water management trebles the rate of run-off, and only 32% of water resources meet the Framework Directive ‘Good’ quality standard.

Over the next 15 years it is forecasted that demand for water will exceed current reliable and accessible supplies by 40%.

The OECD says that water security is one of the key limiting factors to economic growth.

Impact of increasing pressures

• Pollution risks
• Over abstraction
• Amenity loss
• Threat to biodiversity
• Increased run-off
• Saline intrusion

How to improve resilience?

• Reduce water consumption
• Adopting SUDS techniques
• Re-use water
• New evaluation methods – water flood-printing

How do we achieve sustainability?

• Improved recognition by legislators of best practice and scientific understanding
• More joined-up thinking
• More understanding of how natural and proprietary systems can work together
• Recognition of role of hybrid solutions

Learning from other European nations

Finally we were given a brief look at how other European nations are developing effective water management strategies including Denmark, a pioneer in sustainable water use.

We leaned how they have broken the link between economic growth, water consumption and energy use.

• Economy grown by 80% since 1980
• Water consumption reduced by 40%
• No increase in energy use

How has this been achieved?

• Structured water management
• Innovative use of new technologies
• SUDS and recycling

Download the new AWMS brochure

Link to the AWMS website