Could nature help solve the UK’s sewer overflow challenge?

We’ve all seen the headlines—over the past decade, the UK has seen record-breaking rainfall, with climate change driving more intense weather. But our drainage infrastructure, much of it built over a century ago, was not designed to cope with these extremes.

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs)—originally developed to prevent flooding by discharging excess water when sewers reach capacity—are now being triggered more often, increasing the risk of surface water flooding. As populations grow and cities expand, drainage networks are now being pushed to their limits.

While larger pipes and storage tanks might help in the short term, they too have limited capacity and are both costly and carbon intensive to build. Clearly, grey infrastructure alone won’t fix the problem. The UK needs a smarter, more sustainable approach to managing water—one that eases pressure on sewers before storms hit.

In this episode, we focus on blue-green infrastructure, which combines natural features like wetlands and rain gardens with conventional drainage systems to manage water more effectively, reduce flood risk and create greener, healthier places to live.

Host Toby Sadler speaks to those at the forefront of the innovative projects already making an impact, from the UK’s largest sustainable drainage scheme in Mansfield, Derbyshire to Glasgow’s Smart Canal, which pairs blue-green principles with digital technology, to Castle Archdale’s integrated constructed wetland in Northern Ireland, which functions as both a wastewater treatment system and a community asset.

Together, our speakers tackle the key questions: could nature help solve the UK’s sewer overflow challenge? And what are the steps needed to implement blue-green infrastructure on a wider scale?

Tune in now to hear from:

• Simon Parsons, Director of Environment, Planning and Assurance (Scottish Water)
• Paddy Brow, Head of Living with Water Programme (Northern Ireland Water)
• Hannah Howe, Principal Consultant (AECOM)

Speaker profiles

Simon Parsons

Director of Environment, Planning and Assurance, Scottish Water

Experience/background

Simon Parsons is a seasoned executive in the water industry, with extensive expertise in sustainability, regulation, asset management, and water and wastewater service planning.

As Director of Environment, Planning and Assurance at Scottish Water, he is committed to protecting public health, enhancing the environment, and leading the company to net zero by 2040.

Simon has spearheaded the development of Scottish Water’s strategic plan, net zero roadmap, and vision for the future, resulting in a 30 per cent increase in investment. He also chairs Scottish Water Horizons, driving growth and transformation in renewable technologies and utilities, both domestically and internationally. Simon’s leadership has delivered significant financial and environmental benefits, reshaping the future of water services.

Why you’re excited to join TI podcast and why is this subject important to you?

I wanted to take part in this podcast because the future of infrastructure is crucial to shaping resilient, sustainable cities. The shift from traditional grey infrastructure to incorporating green and blue solutions is vital to addressing the intensifying storms and flooding we face. It’s about thinking ahead, not just reacting.

The Glasgow Smart Canal project is a prime example of how innovative, nature-based solutions can transform communities—improving water management while supporting sustainable growth.

As global interest in these approaches continues to rise, tackling climate challenges requires a fundamental shift in mindset—one led by visionary individuals committed to making a real difference.

Paddy Brow

Head of Living With Water Programme, Northern Ireland Water

Experience/background

Paddy Brow is a leading expert in sustainable water management, with over 20 years of experience in asset strategy, environmental regulation, and climate resilience. As Head of the Living With Water Programme at Northern Ireland Water, he is driving integrated drainage and wastewater solutions to protect Belfast from flooding, enhance water quality, and support urban growth.

A champion of innovative, nature-based approaches, Paddy has led major capital investment strategies and policy development. Passionate about collaboration, he works across government, industry, and communities to create long-term, sustainable water solutions that balance infrastructure, the environment, and economic resilience.

Why you’re excited to join TI podcast and why is this subject important to you?

I’m excited to join AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast because we need to have bold conversations about the future of water management. Conventional infrastructure is no longer viable—we can’t afford to build it, and we can’t afford to operate it. We need smarter, more sustainable solutions.

The Living With Water programme in Northern Ireland is about finding those alternatives, using blue-green infrastructure to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and create better places to live. I’m optimistic about the future, but we must act with urgency. This isn’t just about infrastructure —it’s about resilience, sustainability, and making every investment count.

Hannah Howe

Principal Consultant, AECOM

Experience/background

Hannah Howe is a water and environmental strategist with over 15 years of experience in (Geographic Information System) GIS, hydraulic modelling, and catchment planning. As a Principal Consultant at AECOM, she leads the modelling programme for the pioneering Mansfield Sustainable Flood Resilience Project.

With a strong background consultancy, she has contributed to national flood risk strategies, sustainable drainage plans, and sewerage management planning.

A Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) award-winning professional, Hannah is passionate about integrating blue-green infrastructure and sustainable approaches into urban water management, helping shape resilient, climate-adaptive communities. She is also a CIWEM assessor, supporting the next generation of water professionals.

Why you’re excited to join TI podcast and why is this subject important to you?

AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast is a fantastic platform to share ideas and inspire change. The challenges we face in water management—flooding, sewer overflows, and climate resilience—are complex, and integrated problems need integrated solutions. That means bringing together many disciplines to develop effective, long-term approaches.

My work on the Mansfield Sustainable Flood Resilience Project has shown how strong partnerships and blue-green infrastructure can transform communities. Unlike traditional concrete storage tanks, these nature-based solutions reconnect the water cycle and ecosystems, creating sustainable, resilient places that enhance biodiversity, public spaces, and overall flood resilience.