At Wavin Ireland this International Water Day, we're taking the opportunity to reflect on our journey in shaping Ireland's water infrastructure. From pioneering plastic piping systems in the 1950s to driving and supporting innovations in smart water management today.
In the mid-20th century, Ireland's access to clean drinking water was limited, especially in rural areas. Wavin revolutionised country life with the introduction of plastic piping systems, replacing outdated materials and providing a safer, more efficient way to transport water. Armagh Country Council was the first step to adopt Wavin pipes, sparking a nationwide shift that improved public health and access to clean water.
As we move forward and adapt to the challenges that climate change presents, managing water, a precious resource, has become more important than ever. For example, innovations in drainage and stormwater management will become key to embracing climate resilience in urban environments.
Ireland, often perceived as a water-rich nation, faces challenges in water conservation and management. Climate change brings intense rainfall and with it, an increased threat of urban flooding, creating a greater demand for improved rainwater and stormwater drainage solutions. An efficient and well-maintained rainwater collection and drainage system is therefore essential.
Wavin AquaCell units are a tried and tested modular technique for managing excessive rainfall. Made from 100% recycled and 100% recyclable material, AquaCell units are the versatile answer to the effective management of surface water - whatever the application. The introduction of Wavin AquaCell Next Generation (NG) later this year, allows for even faster installation leading to greater cost savings, easier logistics on site and reduced manual handling. AquaCell NG is the future of sustainable drainage.
On the community front, Wavin has partnered with organisations like Bí Urban on their Rain Gardens project. Designed to capture roof water runoff, these gardens allow small, bio-diverse gardens to thrive while also helping to manage stormwater in this urban environment. These bright oases also help to divert urban rainwater from storm drains where it mixes with sewage in a 'combined' system and leads to pollution of local water-courses. Initiatives like this not only address environmental concerns but also foster community engagement and educatio in which Wavin Ireland was proud to be involved.
The proactive storage and reuse of water so it can be recirculated rather than drained away is one of the key pillars in Wavin's Urban Climate Resilience strategy.
At Wavin Ireland, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond delivering innovative water management solutions - it extends into actively caring for our local environment. In honor of International Water Day, we proudly continue our tradition of giving back by organising an annual beach clean-up. Each year, our dedicated team comes together to remove litter and debris from Ireland's beautiful coastline, helping to protect marine life and preserve the natural beauty of our shores. This initiative reflects our deep-rooted belief that safeguarding water resources is a shared responsibility - one that starts with protecting the ecosystems right on our doorstep.