Context

The Sleaford Water Recycling Centre upgrade, led by Anglian Water and implemented by the @one Alliance, focused heavily on the use of reedbeds for wastewater treatment, supplied by ARM Group Ltd. Reedbeds are a sustainable, nature-based solution that utilise plants and microorganisms to clean wastewater naturally.

Project detail

As part of the upgrade, ARM Ltd's reedbeds were re-engineered and enhanced to handle the increased flow requirements of the site, which needed to treat up to 160.2 l/s to comply with new regulations. The reedbed system, specifically designed for tertiary treatment, was vital to meet these demands without the need for costly mechanical or chemical processes.

The project involved installing three duty/duty/standby blowers to aerate the reedbeds, promoting reed growth and improving the natural breakdown of pollutants. The team also installed new liners, gravel, and aeration pipework, ensuring the reedbeds could efficiently process the additional water flow. The beds were connected to the primary sedimentation tank (PST), creating a streamlined process for wastewater treatment. These aerated reedbeds provide resilience, particularly during power failures, by offering four hours of backup treatment capacity.

In addition to enhancing treatment capacity, the reedbeds help protect the environment by reducing the need for storm overflows and minimising the use of chemicals in water treatment. ARM Group Ltd's involvement in this project demonstrates the effectiveness of natural systems in modern wastewater management, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and scalable solution for future wastewater challenges.