New Brighton Project Aims To Protect City’s Drinking Water From Road Pollution

A pioneering environmental project on the edge of Brighton is helping to protect the city’s drinking water from toxic road runoff.

The Wild Park rainscape, built beside the A27, is designed to capture and filter polluted rainwater before it seeps into the chalk aquifer — the underground water source that supplies more than 90% of Brighton’s drinking water.

Researchers from the University of Brighton say every rainfall washes millions of litres of contaminated water off roads, carrying a mix of oil, tyre particles, heavy metals and microplastics.

Without intervention, these pollutants can enter rivers, wetlands, and groundwater.

Professor Martin Smith, from the university’s School of Applied Sciences, said:

“When polluted water from our roads seeps into the aquifer, it’s not just a scientific problem – it’s our drinking water, our children’s health, and our local environment at stake.

"Projects like the Wild Park rainscape make sure the water we rely on every day is safe.”

The project, developed over six years in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council, includes reed beds, wetland plants, trees and wildflower meadows that naturally filter rainwater.

Before construction, university researchers found the area’s runoff contained higher-than-recommended levels of contaminants, including lead, chromium and hydrocarbons from vehicle tyres and road surfaces.

Laboratory testing confirmed that much of this pollution could be captured before reaching the soil.

Water from the road now travels along a 1.2-mile (1.9km) route, passing through multiple natural filtration stages before it enters the ground.

Researchers will continue to monitor the site to assess its long-term impact on water quality, pollutant removal and biodiversity.

Councillor Trevor Muten, Brighton & Hove City Council’s cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure, said:

“The rainscape is a ground-breaking project, harnessing the power of nature to filter out pollution and protect the underground chalk aquifer that supplies much of our drinking water.

"It's also helping to prevent flooding and has created a beautiful new landscape for people and wildlife in Wild Park.”