Sunderland - Local Action

Our goal is to prevent pollution and sewage from entering rivers and seas across our region.

• Storm overflows are an important part of our wastewater network because they protect customers’ homes and the environment. They operate automatically as a relief system during heavy rain or storm conditions, or if the sewers are overwhelmed because of more water or blockages and reduce the risk of flooding to streets, homes, and businesses. 
• In our next investment plan 2025 to 2030, we want to invest £4.5bn across our business - our biggest ever package to improve water and wastewater services – as we work to reduce the use of storm overflows and improve bathing waters.   
• You can see details of our plans along the River Wear here.
• Watch our storm overflow information video (opens new window).
• Between 2025 and 2030 in Sunderland specifically we will upgrade SOs including installing screens to prevent plastic bags, branches, and other solid materials, from entering the sewer system at: Brooke Avenue and West Boldon.
• Watch our video to see how storm overflows work (opens new window).    
• At the end of April we launched our digital interactive map (opens new window) to show up-to-date storm overflow information across the region.
• Information on our plan for storm overflows can be viewed on the national storm overflow interactive map (opens new window).

The River Wear catchment is the area of land through which water from rain, melting snow or ice, drains into the Wear.

We need your help, Sunderland.

• Wet wipes are the biggest cause of blockages and sewer flooding.
• You can make a big difference by doing one simple thing, instead of flushing it down the loo, bin the wipe.  

Bluespace is a term for rivers, lakes, or the sea that people can access.

• Working hard with local partners, our bluespaces scheme will improve a number of these areas in our region.
• We want local people to propose local bluespaces for improvement. Find out more information including guidance (opens new window) about whether your project might be eligible or email us at bluespaces@nwl.co.uk  

The Branch Out fund supports local projects that protect local ecosystems by building their resilience to climate change – bringing benefits to local people.

• The link between health and the countryside is well known and many of the Branch Out projects will encourage people to be outside in nature.  Enhancing and linking habitats will help local flora and fauna be better placed to deal with climate change.
• If you, or your organisation, are involved in a project doing this, then the Branch Out Fund might be able to help you. Applications for grants of anywhere between £1 - £10,000 are very welcome.  
• Want to know more?  Read the guidance notes (opens new window) on the sorts of projects that quality for grant funding. 
• Email applications to Branchout@NWL.co.uk 

Saving water protects our local environment by limiting the amount of water we must remove.

• We will be encouraging local people to use water wisely and promoting the benefits of water meters.  
• A water meter could reduce the amount of water you use by up to 20% saving you an average £264 a year on your bill.  
• To find out if a water meter is right for you, why not try our water usage calculator to see if it can save you money.

• We know our communities are facing a cost-of-living crisis with food, housing, transport, and other bills going up.   
• We are committed to helping those that need it most. If you or anyone you know is struggling to pay their bills, please talk to us. There are lots of ways we can help. Try our eligibility checker to find out which of our financial support schemes you may be eligible for.

Are you passionate about caring for our local waterways and making a difference in your community? If you are then why not become a Water Ranger?

• Water Rangers are an enthusiastic group of local volunteers who roll up their sleeves and take positive local action by reporting any issues and notable wildlife they see in and around our local rivers and streams.  
• Don’t delay, email waterrangers@nwl.co.uk to join today. 
   

We are working hard to tackle the issue of invasive species along the Wear, including in and around Sunderland.

• Invasive species have been introduced by people and have a negative impact on the economy, wildlife, or habitats in Britain.  
• Specifically, we are providing a total of £32,000 to the Wear Rivers Trust. This support enables experts and volunteers to work on removing harmful species such as Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, and Japanese Knotweed from local watercourses, ultimately benefiting water quality in the area.  
• The Government maintains a list of invasive plants and animals on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. Find out more about the legislation (opens new window).
• Please get involved and make a positive local impact (opens new window). 
   

We think it’s important to give back to make a positive impact in our local communities.

• All our team at Northumbrian Water are encouraged to volunteer to support community groups and charities through our “Just an Hour” scheme.
• This important initiative gets our teams out in the communities we serve, putting their shoulders to the wheel of great causes - people choose causes that resonate with them personally - for at least 15 hours a year.
• Find out more about Just an Hour (opens new window).