In an increasing number of streets in Apeldoorn, rainwater has been disconnected from the sewer system. As a result, clean rainwater flows directly into the ground, reducing the load on the sewer system. When rainwater is disconnected, it is no longer channelled from the street into the sewer system, but instead, for example, into a pond, a wadi or an underground infiltration pipe.
Many people are unaware that this is already happening on their street. Every year, at least 6 hectares of public space are disconnected from the sewerage system. This includes roads, squares, car parks and the roofs of schools and public buildings. Disconnection is particularly carried out during major maintenance work on roads and the sewerage system. In new neighbourhoods, such as Zuidbroek and Zonnehoeve, rainwater no longer flows into the sewer system.
To show where rainwater is diverted away from the sewer system, Apeldoorn Council, in collaboration with the RIONED Foundation and the TBS-SVA Group, is introducing the ‘Blue Drop’. This is a symbol on manhole covers and drains that indicates where rainwater no longer flows into the sewer system, but back into nature.
The first manhole covers and gully grates featuring blue drops have recently been installed as part of works on De Bovenkruier (Apeldoorn North). Future sewerage projects involving the separation of rainwater will feature blue drops.
Diverting rainwater has several advantages:
Streets where the rainwater drainage system has already been disconnected can be recognised by manhole covers and drains with a fan-shaped design.
If the rainwater drainage system in your street has already been disconnected, please bear the following points in mind:
With your help, we can ensure there is clean water in the countryside. Visit apeldoorn.nl/water-management if you would like to find out more about measures to tackle flooding in our local authority area.
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