ResilienTogether is creating a Smart Catchment, through innovative technologies and techniques, to reduce flood risk to people and places, enhance the water environment in the Pix Brook catchment and improve community resilience in the face of climate change.
The project achieves this through a close-knit partnership that collaborate to deliver six inter-related work packages. This case study comes from the Flow Monitoring Work Package which aims to enhance the flow monitoring and telemetry network to improve understanding of flows within the catchment and establish near real-time flow monitoring.
Read more about SuDS attenuation monitoring: SuDS Attenuation Monitoring: Innovation Case Study
In March 2024, a portable gauging station was retrofitted on the Fairfield Attenuation Pond outlet to provide data on level of water retention over time. Using the level data and the integrated v-notch weir as a fixed parameter, calculations were made to derive the discharge flow rate.
This flow data is being used to understand how the Fairfield Attenuation Pond operates and contributes to flows. This learning will help inform the suitability of installing a smart SuDS device.
1. Understanding SuDS contribution to the catchment
By measuring flow, ResilienTogether can understand how the attenuation pond contributes to flows in the catchment.
2. Toward reducing flood risk
Improving the management of the SuDS feature and installation of smart SuDS devices can help us understand the influence of the attenuation pond on flow and allow us to reduce flood risk downstream.
3. Building the evidence base
Through collection of data, ResilienTogether can contribute to wider international research around the operation, effectiveness and benefits of attenuation ponds.