Coventry ‘mega tank’ project to limit sewage in nearby rivers

Severn Trent Water is building a new “mega tank” near Coventry which will help to prevent sewage from ending up in rivers during periods of high rainfall.

The development, which will be large enough to store four million litres of water, will function by capturing combined sewer overflows (CSOs) that occur during intense storms when the capacity of existing sewer systems is exceeded.

The water can then be held temporarily to reduce the likelihood of overflow and pollution leakages.

Project manager Wilfred Denga said that the “mega tank” project, part of a £78m project to improve the environmental health of the Midlands’ rivers, is about “preparing for the future” of the Coventry region by creating a water overspill store.

Denga added: “We’re working with others in the community, farmers and other community groups, because really, we need everybody involved to help this project.”

Climate change not only jeopardises the environment, but also poses a major public health concern

The Midlands as a whole is increasingly at risk of severe flooding due to the effects of climate change.

During storms, water accumulates faster than it can infiltrate into the ground or flow downstream, causing rivers to break their banks.

In urban areas, if sewers cannot drain excess rain or river water, untreated sewage could spill into the local environment, leading to pollution and health risks. Consequently, climate change not only jeopardises the environment, but also poses a major public health concern.

Another huge tank is being constructed in Leamington Spa – home to the River Leam, a tributary to the River Severn.

The Leamington tank will hold 800 cubic metres of water, limiting the number of times the local combined sewer overflows into the river.

If the river does have sewage and pollution in it, it affects the experience that people have

Sophie Dollar, Leam Boat Centre manager

This development, which will be completed later this year, has been welcomed by the local community.

Leam Boat Centre manager, Sophie Dollar, said: “If the river does have sewage and pollution in it, it affects the experience that people have.

“We’re fortunate that we don’t have many sewer overflows nearby, but further downstream it has been an issue.”

The consultation of local stakeholders for both the Severn Trent and Leamington projects has garnered positive responses. It remains to be seen whether these developments can help counteract the rising threat of flooding in the region.