Drainage map of Gloucestershire

11 May 2010, 06:00

A major scheme is underway to create a digital map of Gloucestershire's drainage system.

Engineers from Gloucestershire Highways’ drainage team are collecting and storing data on the location, route and condition of the county’s drainage systems. The data is then recorded on a specially-designed digital system, the first of its type in the country.

The digital system will mean potential drainage problems can be identified and rectified before they cause serious problems.

The data will be used to help Gloucestershire Highways plan works, targeting the right areas at the right time, to reduce flood risk.

Data is being collected initially from known flooding hotspots and is completed in kilometre square areas.

Contractors from 365 Environmental Services locate all drainage assets – gullies, catch pits, chambers and manholes – within the identified square using GPS before recording them digitally.

Cllr Stan Waddington, Cabinet member for environment, said:

“This innovative system will allow Gloucestershire Highways to have a better understanding of the county’s drainage systems. Targeting work once the data is collected will contribute towards the county council’s goal of ensuring Gloucestershire people are less likely to suffer the devastation they suffered in July 2007.”