We've invested in a new rainwater harvesting system

Date Added: 18/03/2021

We've been working on an exciting piece of innovation which not only helps with our gritting runs, but also has considerable sustainability benefits.

We've installed a rainwater harvesting system at our Thorn Turn depot, near Dunstable and Houghton Regis. The system collects rainwater from the roof, that would otherwise flow down gutters into the drain, and stores it in a tank which can hold up to 15,000 litres. The collected water is then used for creating our pre-wet brine solution for our gritting trucks.

The system was first used in January and has been in operation throughout the winter gritting season. It's led to a reduction in the amount of salt and fresh water being used, which is an added benefit to the environment and also saves money.

Following a successful trial, we'll be installing a smaller, 1,000-litre, rainwater harvesting system at our Sandy highways depot in April. The rainwater collected will be used to clean vehicles and equipment and in our highway maintenance programme, e.g. to mix with asphalt and other materials.