Case Study – Civil Water Management

MODULAR DRAINAGE SYSTEM

CASE STUDY.

Network Rail:

The HS2 Project

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Case Study

Project Brief.

Civil Water Management recommended Hydrotrench®, a fully permeable, modular drainage system made from recycled rubber materials. Unlike traditional systems, Hydrotrench® allows water to enter from all sides, preventing blockages and reducing maintenance demands.

Rapid installation with minimal excavation, reducing labor and material costs.
Manufactured from 100% recycled materials, supporting environmental sustainability.
High-capacity water flow management, significantly reducing surface water risks.
Self-cleaning properties, minimizing long-term maintenance costs.

Result & Impact.

Flood Prevention: Since installation, the site has experienced no surface water issues, even after heavy rainfall.

Environmental Gains: The use of Hydrotrench® helped reduce the project’s carbon footprint while meeting SuDS compliance.

Cost Savings: The client benefited from reduced installation and maintenance costs, ensuring a long-term, cost-effective solution.

Key Issues.

Flooding: The site frequently experienced surface water pooling after heavy rainfall, posing risks to operations, infrastructure, and compliance. A traditional drainage system would have required deep excavation and higher costs, leading to project delays.

Environmental Impact: Sustainability was a priority, with the project needing to meet SuDS compliance and environmental standards. Traditional drainage materials like concrete and plastic contribute to high CO₂ emissions and landfill waste, so a low-impact alternative was essential.

Cost Effective: Frequent silt buildup and clogging in conventional drainage systems result in high maintenance costs. The client needed a durable, low-maintenance solution to ensure long-term efficiency and reduced operational expenses.

— Gareth Mills, Head of Sustainability, Network Rail

“Sustainable infrastructure is at the heart of Network Rail’s future. Investing in innovative drainage solutions that reduce environmental impact while improving resilience is essential for long-term sustainability.”