Slow the Flow

One way we aim to manage flood risk across the catchment is through the installation of l Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Natural Flood Management (NFM) measures, such as bioswales and leaky barriers. These approaches work with natural processes to slow the movement of water during heavy rainfall.

Leaky barriers

Leaky barriers (also known as leaky dams) are structures installed within watercourses to slow the flow of water during heavy rainfall, while allowing normal everyday flows to pass through. By temporarily holding back higher flows, they help reduce peak water levels downstream and support more natural sediment movement. As part of this work, leaky barriers are being installed in Norton Common and Pix Meadow in Letchworth Garden City. You can find out more about these projects via the links below.

Leaky barriers factsheet – how they work and what they do

Norton Common and Pix Meadow leaky barriers project briefing note

Bioswales

Bioswales are shallow, planted drainage features designed to manage surface water runoff. They slow and store rainwater at the surface, allowing it to soak away gradually rather than entering drains all at once, reducing pressure on the drainage network during intense rainfall.

Bioswales are being installed at Woolston Avenue / Lawrence Avenue in Letchworth Garden City. Further information is available via the links below.

Bioswales factsheet – how they work and what they do

Woolston Avenue bioswale project briefing note

What’s next

Further projects are planned across the catchment as part of this programme. Details will be added to this page as designs are finalised and works are confirmed.

Monitoring

We’ll monitor the river closely to see how our interventions slow the flow of the water and influence water quality.

A combination of technical experts and our river volunteers will create a monitoring network to look at the flow patterns of the Pix Brook. This network will improve our knowledge around the influence of extreme weather and local flows on the catchment.

All of this information will be shared and used to forecast potential flooding, helping to create a more resilient community.