NI Water inspires future engineers with SuDS STEM workshop

NI Water joined engineers from AECOM to host a Water Cycle workshop for local schools at the Activate your Curiosity, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) event organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Ballymena Academy students with the NI Water SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) model, which demonstrates smart ways of managing rainwater | NI Water

placeholder image — Ballymena Academy students with the NI Water SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) model, which demonstrates smart ways of managing rainwater | NI Water

To champion students of Ballymena Academy, NI Water's education team brought along a SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) model to demonstrate innovative, environmentally friendly approaches to managing rainwater.

The students gained valuable insight into the water industry and experienced first-hand how STEM is applied in practical ways to improve everyday life. Pupils learned how SuDS can be used in wastewater management and explored further opportunities to engage with key environmental and sustainability topics.

NI Water education officer Anna Killen said: “Our education team is committed to inspiring students to pursue STEM and explore careers with NI Water.

"As part of our outreach work, we’re proud to showcase how initiatives like our SuDS model highlight engineering’s role in solving real-world challenges.

“Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) manage rainfall by reducing surface water runoff and easing pressure on sewers. Through our model, students saw how SuDS mimics natural processes by storing and slowly releasing water, and how features like rain gardens and permeable paving can be used in the built environment.”