05/09/2026
Invitation to join our interactive water butt project
Dear potential “interactive water butt partner",
This message will launch this pilot.
I hope you will wish to join our network.
This pilot is being launched at an auspicious moment. El Ninõ will apparently be influencing our weather causing extreme conditions over the forthcoming year. This means extreme drought and extremely high temperatures during the summer months. It also means extreme rainstorms during our winter months. This is where this project becomes crucial. Currently, there is already flood danger after heavy rainstorms in Eastbourne. During autumn 2025, for example, there were floods which Southern Water tried to explain away as “The first (occasion) has been a small number of isolated flooding incidents, caused by intense rainfall."
Although this project will help Southern Water to reduce potential flooding dangers, they have to date refused to support it financially, even though they have funds set aside for such initiatives. Nevertheless, this should help them and everyone! Eastbourne has already begun a project in partnership with the Blue Heart project and with some funding from Southern Water in 2024: https://ourrainwater.com/eastbourne-slow-the-flow
I have a link to the Met Office through a “Hazard Management” group which I have joined. Once the Met Office has predicted that a rainstorm is coming our way, which they can do several weeks beforehand, I will alert all participants using email or text. Once you receive this alert you will respond by releasing as much water as you wish to empty in order to provide space for the expected storm water. This will divert the water into the water butt rather than directly into the drains where it might have caused damage. When you have released a volume of water, you will agree to send in the figure for the approximate total amount of water you have released. The water would seep away, harmlessly creating space to receive the upcoming storm water. This will reduce the danger of local flash flooding and flooding lower down in Eastbourne. It will also enable participants to feel a collective responsibility and thereby have a feeling of empowerment while helping the wider community. We are inviting all Meads residents and users but if you wish to take part from anywhere in the country, you are welcome to do so, Please share this invitation across your own network of contacts. The more participants the greater the impact. Your email addresses and any shared data will be GDPR compliant.
Please return this proforma, once completed, to [email protected]:
I am willing to take part in this pilot project: yes/no
If "yes", please continue:
Name:
Postcode:
Email address:
Phone number:
Altitude (use this link if you wish:
Elevation Finder - Check Height Above Sea Level | MapTools.uk
How many water butts do you have:
What is the approximate total volume in litres?:
Please choose how to be contacted, by text or email:
Please make any comment if you wish:
I look forward to receiving your response. If you wish to read up some background, please use this link “A Guide to Slowing the Flow”
Slow-the-Flow-booklet-FINAL4.pdf
or I have actual booklets for you if you prefer.
Thank you if you are joining this network that has the potential for us all to make an impact.
Best wishes,
Oliver Sterno
