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Kingston upon Hull is set within a bowl-shaped zone with sloping topography leading to a flat, urban area. This basin-like landscape causes rainwater to collect, triggering regular flooding. Since the devastating floods of 2007 in the city, there has been significant investment to reduce these incidents. To create true flood resilience and prepare and adapt to climate change, a collaborative, long-term vision was required.

As part of managing flood risk, Kingston upon Hull City Council has installed eight Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) called aquagreens (nature-based solutions) - versatile green spaces that slow the flow of surface water during heavy rainfall - across the city to relieve pressure on the drainage system and providing a holding area for excess water.

Barbara Robson (Playing Field, Sutton on Hull) Flood Alleviation Scheme
Bristol Road Flood Alleviation Scheme
Castlehill: Holderness Drain Flood Alleviation Scheme
Gleneagles Park (Playing Field) Flood Alleviation Scheme
Howdale Road Flood Alleviation Scheme
Kingfisher Close (Bransholme)
Lambwath Stream (Ings Playing Field, Bellfield Avenue)
Willerby Carr daylighting scheme

Further reading:
Living with Water: Link
Blue Green Plan for Hull and Haltemprice: Link
Our Blue-Green Vision for Hull & East Riding: Link
Environment Agency: Link
Managing Flood Risk: Link

In Kingston upon Hull, one of the biggest challenges faced is having enough space to store water during heavy or prolonged rainfall, and then moving water through and out of the city. Due to the low-lying nature of the city, water cannot naturally drain. It must be pumped out. Flood risk is managed in a variety of ways by the risk management authorities responsible. There are schemes all over the city acting to reduce the risk of flooding.

Aboveground Structures: The Tidal Surge Barrier reduces the risk of a tidal storm surge from coming up the River Hull from the Humber Estuary. Humber Hull Frontages - reducing the risk of a tidal storm surge from coming up the Humber Estuary. River Hull defences reduce the risk of fluvial or river flooding from the River Hull. These are potentially caused by increased flows coming from upstream.

Underground Structures: Culverts - moving water underground in pipes from one location to another. Gullies - taking water from highways and roads to reduce flood risk of surface water flooding.

Sewers and Pumping Stations: The sewers transport foul waste and surface water to east Hull wastewater treatment works. The pumping stations help the water move through the sewers. It is discharged into the Humber Estuary.

Sewers: Moving surface and wastewater underground to wastewater treatment works before being discharged into the Humber.

Bransholme Pumping Station: A surface water storage site and pumping station with the largest Archimedes screw pumps in Europe. It reduces the risk of sewer and surface water flooding in North Hull. This is done by delivering water from the storm sewer network to the River Hull.

East Hull Pumping Station: Four pumps installed to reduce the risk of fluvial or river flooding from the Holderness Drain. This is done by pumping water from the drain out into the Humber Estuary during high tide. Further information: Link

Nature-based Solutions: The Aquagreen Flood Alleviation Scheme is a nature-based solution to managing flood risk. This is done with Surface Water Storage areas. They fill during heavy or prolonged rainfall. This can reduce the risk of flooding as it slows the flow of surface water into the drainage system. Another benefit of this is that it also improves community green spaces. By giving space back to nature, more space is made for water.

Further reading:
Kingston upon Hull City Council: Link