Liverpool is set to undergo a major transformation with a £30 million investment aimed at making the city more resilient to heavy rainfall. Water company United Utilities has confirmed the funding will introduce innovative measures to manage rainwater more effectively, turning Liverpool into a 'sponge city'.
What Is a Sponge City?
The concept involves using natural and nature-based solutions to absorb and slow down rainwater, reducing pressure on drainage systems. Features include rain gardens, green roofs, urban wetlands, and greener playgrounds designed to soak up water. Similar principles have been successfully implemented in New York City and Shanghai.
Investment Details
United Utilities announced the plan at the Flood and Coast Conference in Liverpool. CEO Louise Beardmore stated: 'To tackle the challenges of climate change, we need to make our urban areas more spongy. We recognise the value of water as a resource and the importance of working with rainfall and runoff, rather than against it.'
The investment follows a partnership between Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the Mersey Rivers Trust last year to address flood risk, reduce sewage discharges, and improve water quality.
How It Works
In Merseyside, 85% of sewers are combined, meaning rainwater and wastewater flow through the same pipes. During heavy rain, storm overflows are used to prevent sewage backing up into homes. The new measures will capture rain where it falls, slowing flow into sewers and easing pressure on the network.
Mayor Steve Rotheram commented: 'I made a commitment to make the River Mersey free from untreated sewage discharges by 2030. This investment reduces pressure on the sewer network, improves water quality, and helps mitigate climate change impacts.'
Beardmore added: 'With more intense rainfall, we need to manage rain where it falls. This investment marks an important step in shaping a more resilient future for Liverpool and the wider city region.'
