To help manage excessive rainfall and improve climate resilience, Wavin, one of Ireland's leading plumbing and drainage solutions providers, has expanded its innovative AquaCell range of infiltration/attenuation tanks with the addition of the new AquaCell NG.
As environmental standards evolve, including those under Ireland's National Planning Framework 2040, and local authority development plans, SuDS are no longer optional. They are fundamental to responsible and compliant site design. Natural features such as swales, rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable paving not only fulfill drainage functions but also create attractive and sustainable environments for communities.
However, space and site constraints mean that below-ground solutions, such as infiltration/attenuation tanks, are critical tools in the SuDS hierarchy. When natural options are not feasible, especially in dense urban environments, engineered systems provide essential capacity to manage stormwater volumes safely and compliantly.
Next Generation Performance
The Wavin AquaCell NG system is produced using 100% recycled polypropylene and, in order to boost sustainability across all stages of a project, is fully recyclable at end of life. The design of the lightweight, compact, stackable units delivers significant space savings, meaning site storage and transportation is reduced. In fact, the AquaCell NG system requires four times less storage space on site, allows for four times more units in each delivery, and requires four times less unloading time than previous systems. This results in both significant environmental and cost benefits.
With modern construction top of mind, this new independently tested and certified system delivers a huge advance in the speed of attenuation tank construction. Aided by push-fit connections and a tool-free build, the new system is three times faster to install than previous generations of AquaCell, while continuing to offer the same volume capacity. A distinctive circular guide on top of each unit helps ensure correct orientation and right-first-time installation. These built-in efficiencies mean less time spent on the excavation area, improving on-site safety for construction teams. In addition, open inspection channels, with no internal walls, enable the deployment of inspection and cleaning equipment.
Martin Lambley, Urban Climate Resilience Product Manager at Wavin UK & Ireland, said, "As climate change has resulted in these sharp, heavy bursts of rain that we see more and more in Ireland, the water networks often become overwhelmed as much of the traditional infrastructure is not designed to cope with this pressure. SuDS design must be approached with a balanced, site-responsive strategy, combing both natural - where feasible - and engineered measures. Attenuation tanks, like the new AquaCell NG system will be key in the coming years as the impact of climate change increases pressure on our drainage systems through increased instances of heavy rainfall."
"As a business, Wavin is continually striving to innovate in the ways in which we improve our impact on the built environment. As the construction industry works to deliver climate resilient, sustainable communities, SuDS are embedded in regulation and compliance. Wavin's expert team will continue to work alongside the industry to delivery quality assured, compliant solutions, as we have done in Ireland for over 65 years."
For more information visit - https://wavin.com/ie/s/C02_F008_S290/aquacell-ng