COP30 in Brazil this year has made water saving and security a central pillar of its climate action agenda. In addition, flood prevention is being discussed as a critical component of climate change adaptation and resiliance strategies, where coastal flood prevention represents the single highest adaptation cost globally.

Whilst Norwood is clearly not under threat from coastal flooding, it includes areas at high risk of flooding, particularly locations near to the subterranean river Effra. Each degree of increased heat allows 7% more moisture to be held in the atmosphere, making flooding much more likely and storms more severe. Local at-risk areas include Gipsy Hill and West Dulwich, with the most at-risk locations to the south and east of West Norwood Station, the area south of Tulse Hill Gyratory, parts of West Dulwich between the South Circular and the Cemetery and locations around Norwood Park. It is clear that steep slopes creating fast run off combined with existing subterranean water flows increases the chances of flooding. We hope the substantial interventions in Norwood Park will help address some of these issues, especially in the locations detailed around the park, but want Lambeth Council and Thames Water to go further and faster, resurrecting previous strategies, including plans around West Norwood Station and comparable interventions in other parks, including Brockwell Park. 

There are simple and cost saving measures households can do to save water and reduce waste water entering the sewage system. You can receive an abatement on your water bill if you can prove at least 10% of your waste water does not go back into the sewer system. Thames water has some helpful advice on how to save water and reduce bills whilst also offering rewards for saving water. They also have a water saving calculator which shows usage and suggests savings based on your responses.