A new multi-million-pound investment will improve the quality of north Norfolk’s water.
A new final settlement tank and an upgrade to the technology at Anglian Water’s recycling centre (WRC) in Wells-next-the-Sea will help improve the water quality in rivers.
The work, which started in January, is part of an almost £3m investment to Anglian Water’s Holkham Road WRC and forms a part of Anglian Water’s Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP).
This new tank in Wells will increase the amount of water which can be treated to around four baths per minute.
It will also support against extreme weather caused by climate change and protects the environment by helping to reduce the use of storm overflows, providing additional protection for rivers, many of which in the East of England are unique chalk stream habitats.
Regan Harris, spokesperson for Anglian Water, said: “We know how important rivers and the wider environment are to our customers and local communities.
"We’re really pleased that this scheme will help to protect nearby rivers and increase our resilience to climate change, by helping us make sure the wastewater is treated to an even higher standard than usual before it’s returned to the natural environment.
READ MORE - Towns' tourism fears over 'no swim' beach orders
“As a result of climate change, we’re seeing more bouts of extreme weather, sudden downpours and rising sea levels, so it’s really important that our sites are prepared to process higher volumes of stormwater and protect the environment.
"That’s why we’ve committed through our Get River Positive programme that our water recycling processes will not harm rivers, with schemes like this one in Wells.”
The new technology will also allow Anglian Water to process an additional five litres of water per second - meaning Wells wastewater can be treated to a higher standard - enhancing water quality in local rivers and the sea, as well as preventing pollution.
Work is expected to be completed on the project by early 2024.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here