Forestry Commission use Hydro Stormbank

Forestry Commission's newly-built environmental classrooms in Staffordshire are using rainwater recycling equipment from Hydro International for toilet flushing to save on mains water usage.

The Birches Valley Forest Centre in Cannock Chase is leading by example with a range of green building features including Hydro International's StormBank rainwater harvesting system, which collects rain from a living sedum roof and stores it for reuse in staff and students' toilets.

"We see our commitment to sustainable practices as a key factor in educating the public and rainwater harvesting is an important example," comments FC Project Manager Brian Kedwood.

"The StormBank collects water from the sedum covered roof of the classroom block".

"This supplies a steady flow of rainwater for the toilets, instead of precious mains drinking water." The new, 347 m2 Environmental Classroom Block is constructed from renewable timber sources and has 2 classrooms accommodating 60 students in each plus a lobby with display space, staff offices and toilets.

The building is carried on stilts to minimise requirements for foundation construction.

A 3300 litre capacity Hydro StormBank rainwater harvesting unit is installed underground in the courtyard of the Environmental Classroom Block.

"StormBank was competitive in cost compared to other equipment," commented installer Jim Dean of Jim Dean Contracting.

"It is also very easy to install, as the very strong tank needs minimal foundations for reinforcement".

The Forestry Commission's Birches Valley Forest Centre, in Cannock Forest near Rugely, Staffordshire, provides a host of educational and recreational opportunities, including hike trails and orienteering routes, fishing ponds and high quality mountain biking routes.

"It's great to see organisations like the Forestry Commission endorsing the need for rainwater harvesting," comments Chris Williams, Hydro's MD (Europe).

"That's why the Save the Rain campaign was established, to increase awareness of the benefits of saving water and in particular recycling rainwater".

"The website www.savetherain.info acts as a central point of information for any one wanting to know more about rainwater harvesting".

For further information about the campaign or a copy of the Save the Rain campaign booklet, or information about Hydro International's StormBankTM rainwater harvester, contact savetherain@iassmarts.com or call 0800 294 0105.

Hydro International, which has offices in the UK, USA and Ireland, provides cost-effective solutions for controlling the quantity and improving the quality of water with minimal maintenance.

Hydro operates in the water and wastewater sector and the stormwater sector for the construction industry and offers an enhanced coverage of treatment solutions to the municipal sector.

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