RESIDENTS on the new Ravenswood development in south-east Ipswich are able to save money by literally not pouring it down the drain.Surface water (rainwater falling on roof and roads) from the whole development is drained into specially designed soakaways and landscaped basins.

RESIDENTS on the new Ravenswood development in south-east Ipswich are able to save money by literally not pouring it down the drain.

Surface water (rainwater falling on roof and roads) from the whole development is drained into specially designed soakaways and landscaped basins. Only foul water from sinks, baths and toilets enters Anglian Water's sewers for treatment at the Cliff Quay plant.

Anglian Water will therefore give a £30.00 discount to householders off the sewage standing charge.

The surface water drainage systems, known as SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) are designed to avoid pollution, recharge the ground water table and sustain natural flows in the spring fed streams in Braziers Wood.

The drainage basins are being landscaped and maintained to provide more diverse wildlife habitats as well as a high standard of drainage.

The system has already proved its worth when during an exceptional rainfall on 9 August 2001, 50mm of rain was recorded in Ipswich in two hours.

No flooding was reported at Ravenswood whereas widespread flooding was reported elsewhere. The development featured in The Construction Industry Research and Information Association's (CIRIA) publication "Sustainable Urban Drainage Best Practise Manual", which was published during autumn 2001.

If you want more information on whether you are entitled to receive the discount please contact Anglian Waters helpline number 0800 919155.