Allotment site to save 16000 litres of rainwater annually

Thanks to financial support from South West Water, one of the largest allotment sites in the South West can now capture an additional 16,000 litres of rainwater annually.

Based in Exwick, the Guys and Hylton Allotments hosts over 350 volunteers on average, making it a significant challenge to manage.

The water required to plant, grow, and maintain this abundant natural produce can significantly increase water bills, especially during the dryer summer months.

South West Water has used its Water-Saving Community Fund to purchase four more intermediate bulk containers (IBC) to improve the sowing and growing of the allotment’s produce.

Above: IBC's. Image: South West Water

Each of these containers can hold 1000 litres of rainwater, meaning that all of the allotments can now benefit from an additional 4000 litres of harvested rainwater three to four times a year.

This will drastically reduce the allotments dependence on the mains supply.

Gerald Tallamy, from the Guys and Hylton Allotments, said: “Being green thumbed as we are, all of us here at the allotments are aware of the tole that the hot summer months can take on water supply. 

“Having this rainwater harvesting system in place will ensure that we save any water where possible, reduce our reliance on mains supply, and cut down on allotment costs too.”

Above: Image: South West Water

Megan Williams, South West Water’s Water Efficiency Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support allotments such as Guys and Hylton this National Allotment Week. Communities, such as the one at these allotments, are constantly impressing us with their drive and commitment to save water.”

You can learn more about South West Water’s Water Saving Community Fund here.