Dormex Containers, Cheshire

Drought Mitigation

SDS delivers smart rainwater harvesting and reuse system for industrial facility

Overview

Dormex Containers Ltd identified rainwater harvesting as an opportunity to reduce potable water consumption and associated water and wastewater costs at its Whitehouse Industrial Estate facility in Runcorn.

SDS was appointed by K.D.E. Limited to design, install and commission a rainwater recovery and reuse system, providing a reliable non-potable water supply for toilet and urinal flushing while supporting Dormex Containers’ wider sustainability objectives.

What We Did

SDS installed a 5,000-litre internal rainwater storage tank, capturing runoff from approximately 425m² of the building’s roof. Collected rainwater passes through a 0.65mm filter before entering the tank and is supplied to the East-side toilet and urinal facilities.

An air-gap break tank provides mains water backup when harvested rainwater is unavailable, ensuring continuity of supply. The system also incorporates SDS Intellistorm® smart rainwater management and SDS SYMBiotIC™ monitoring, providing visibility of water levels, harvested rainwater use and potable water consumption.

Installation was completed in July 2026, with the system integrated into the existing building and drainage infrastructure.

Results

The system is expected to meet approximately 96% of the site’s annual toilet-flushing demand using harvested rainwater, equivalent to around 125,000 litres per year.

By reducing reliance on potable mains water, the system provides an opportunity to lower water and wastewater costs while supporting Dormex Containers’ sustainability objectives. Integrated monitoring also provides ongoing visibility of system performance and water savings, helping to support proactive maintenance and long-term efficiency.

SDS delivered an effective rainwater harvesting solution for our client’s Runcorn facility, providing a reliable non-potable water supply for the toilets and urinals. The system is expected to save approximately 140,000 litres of mains water each year, supporting our client’s sustainability objectives while reducing water and wastewater costs. The installation was professionally delivered and the monitoring system provides clear visibility of performance and savings.

– Paul Stevens, Plumbing & Heating Manager, KDE