Severn Trent manages the largest network of storm overflows in the UK, with around 2,472 systems. As part of an industry-leading programme to tackle spills, the water company recognised the need to go further and faster in addressing stormwater challenges. A key part of Severn Trent’s industry-leading programme to tackle spills was its collaboration with Evenproducts to rapidly install and deploy an innovative auxiliary tank solution. These were manufactured using Tata Steel’s Magizinc steel coating which promotes reduced environmental impact and longer life.
Severn Trent’s programme to tackle stormwater challenges targeted three of the key factors driving overflow incidents:
- Climate change: Intensifying rainfall events are increasing stormwater volumes, putting pressure on system capacity.
- Urbanisation: Expanding urban areas funnel more rainwater into sewer networks, reducing natural drainage.
- Rising demand: Population growth adds to wastewater volumes, increasing strain on stormwater systems.
In 2023 alone, these factors helped contribute to overflows being used 464,056 times nationwide. Severn Trent’s response is an ambitious programme of innovative, scalable solutions, deployed rapidly across its network to reduce spills and protect the environment.
The objectives
Severn Trent’s objectives for a stormwater management solution are driven by the need to modernise its infrastructure, reduce environmental impact, and enhance resilience in the face of growing challenges. Key objectives include:
- Reducing pollution: Severn Trent aims to cut storm overflow uses by 20% and lower its contribution to river pollution from 14% to under 2% by 2030, aligning with regulatory and environmental commitments.
- Scaling solutions rapidly: With over 900 priority sites identified, the solution must be scalable and deployable on an accelerated timeline to meet urgent demands, especially ahead of extreme weather conditions.
- Maximising efficiency: Solutions must integrate seamlessly with existing systems, optimising tank capacity, flow rates, and operational compatibility without causing disruption.
- Ensuring long-term durability: Materials and designs must provide robust, reliable performance over decades, minimising maintenance requirements and ensuring sustainability.
- Supporting safe and efficient installation: With over 300 installations required, solutions must prioritise ease of assembly, on-site safety, and efficient training for contractors.
By addressing these objectives, Severn Trent is not only improving stormwater infrastructure but also setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship and operational excellence in the water utility sector.
Evenproducts solution
A key part of Severn Trent’s industry-leading programme to tackle spills was its collaboration with Evenproducts to rapidly install and deploy an innovative auxiliary tank solution.
Tiphanie Marriott, Senior Commercial Manager, Severn Trent, said:
“Severn Trent and Evenproducts have worked collaboratively in defining the auxiliary tank solution and rapidly putting a plan in place to deliver. Evenproducts communication, organisation, flexibility and speed enabled Severn Trent to quickly and efficiently deploy solutions across our sites.”
Over 300 hydrostatically balanced steel tanks were installed across 200 locations, creating capacity to hold hundreds of thousands of litres of additional stormwater. This scalable and sustainable approach not only prevented spills but also contributed to improved river health.
Mike Haydon, River Health Capital Design Lead, Severn Trent said:
“We approached Evenproducts at the end of May to assist us in providing auxiliary storage solutions to be deployed across our region. From the very start Evenproducts have proven themselves in terms of product innovation and quality. They have risen to challenges we have faced both technically and logistically, with a can-do attitude and as a part of our team. Their technical ability and inherent flexibility has been essential to us delivering our programme. I definitely consider them to be a partner rather than a supplier.”
Evenproducts’ solution provided a cost-effective alternative to traditional concrete tanks, meeting Severn Trent’s need for rapid deployment and long-term reliability.
Oliver Mathew, Managing Director, Evenproducts, said:
“Our experience in the global humanitarian sector enabled us to meet Severn Trent’s ambitious goals, delivering to remote sites rapidly and efficiently. We’re proud to support their commitment to environmental protection with reliable solutions even in the most challenging locations.”
Design and logistical challenges
The project presented several design and logistical challenges, which required innovative solutions:
- Speed and scalability: Rapid production, delivery, and installation were essential to meet a tight timeline ahead of winter weather. Evenproducts’ efficient design and streamlined logistics ensured the tanks were delivered and installed without delays.
- Site-specific customisation: Each tank had to be tailored for its location, requiring precise calculations for outlet numbers and positioning. This ensured optimal flow capacity while maintaining compatibility with Severn Trent’s existing systems. Collaborating closely with Severn Trent’s engineering teams, Evenproducts provided detailed technical drawings and customised drilling solutions at no additional cost.
- Residual water management: Without the option of base drains, minimising residual water post-drainage was critical. Evenproducts designed a bespoke drainage component, enabling effective emptying and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Unmanned and remote sites: Many of the 200 sites were unmanned and in remote locations, adding a layer of complexity to logistics and installation. Evenproducts adapted by coordinating precise delivery schedules and ensuring installation teams were well-prepared to operate independently in these challenging environments.
- Safe and efficient assembly: Overseeing installations at over 200 sites required a trained workforce and clear assembly processes. Evenproducts delivered comprehensive on-site and in-house training to more than a dozen installation partners and supervised initial builds to ensure consistency and safety.
Treatment Works:
One large Treatment Works in Staffordshire was identified as a site that could benefit from enhanced stormwater capacity as part of Severn Trent’s proactive programme to boost resilience and reduce overflows. It was one of Severn Trent’s 900 priority sites, and so to help address this, Evenproducts, in collaboration with partners Avove, installed three hydrostatically balanced steel tanks. This provided an additional combined capacity of 600,000 litres. This solution increased the site’s stormwater handling capacity, enabling it to better manage peak rainfall and help minimise the risk of overflows.
Carl Hobbs, Project Lead, Avove, said:
“Avove has successfully installed over 140 storm tanks on the Severn Trent spills programme. This was made possible not only by being supplied with a great quality product but also with the professional and collaborative approach from Evenproducts and their technical experts who were always on hand to resolve any issues or queries we may have had during the installation.”
This project showcased Evenproducts’ expertise in delivering tailored, high-performance solutions that support Severn Trent’s commitment to improving stormwater management and river health.
Keith Bowden, UK Technical Sales Manager, Evenproducts, said:
“From the very first meeting with Severn Trent, this exciting project has been a career highlight. Collaborating with Severn Trent and our partners to develop solutions for this complex issue has allowed us to make real progress in reducing spills and improving environmental impact.”
Alex Pfeffer, CEO, Evenproducts, said:
“Our work with Severn Trent highlights our commitment on delivering practical, effective solutions to environmental challenges. Partners trust us for our integrity, commitment, and support at every stage, from project design to after-sales care.”
Collaborative partners:
Large-scale deployment was made possible through Evenproducts’ close collaboration with trusted contractors, who worked with the company to coordinate on-site training and ensure efficient, consistent installations across all locations. Now fully operational, this system provides Severn Trent with a scalable, robust solution for stormwater management.
Michael Kelly, Head of Commercial Distribution UK & Ireland, Tata Steel
“Through trusted manufacturing partners such as Evenproducts, Tata Steel can ensure that our reputation for the highest quality standards is maintained all the way through to finished products. Evenproducts’ ability to design and produce class-leading water tanks has allowed us to support Severn Trent’s ambitious stormwater overflow programme with our Magizinc® steel.”
Tom Low, Technical Director, SealEco LTD
“At SealEco, our ethos has always been to produce tank liners of the highest quality, a belief shared by Evenproducts. Their leadership in stormwater, rainwater, and emergency relief markets, and dedication to quality and service has made them a trusted partner for over 30 years.”
Vaughan Bramwell-Jones, Project Lead, VertaseFLI LTD
“We recently completed a programme of 28 steel tank installations. Evenproducts’ exceptional support, from pre-installation technical calls to on-site assistance, helped ensure the project was completed smoothly, on time, and within budget. We’re confident the tanks will perform as expected during the first big rains.”
Stuart Clarke, Technical Operations Manager, GallifordTry
“The Severn Trent Overflow programme proved a very challenging and fast paced project in which all the supply chain pulled together to help deliver. The service provided by Evenproducts was both professional and flexible which really helped GallifordTry deliver their programme.”
Grant Walsh, Supervisor, Inspire Utility Solutions LTD
“The tanks provided by Even products are of great quality and the training provided to erect is excellent. The aftercare is second to none, always someone on the end of the phone to help and support.”
Paul Wallis, Programme Lead, Kier Group
“Kier have worked closely with the Evenproducts team to deliver a number of auxiliary tank solutions across Severn Trent Water. Our collaborative working relationship has meant we received smooth deliveries of tanks and expert installation advice for our client.”
Tom Collings, Commercial Director, Watertight Management
“Thank you for the professionalism and dedication your team showed throughout this high-pressure project. Your support in managing last-minute changes and providing on-site training ensured a smooth transition to delivery. We look forward to future collaboration.”
