The installation of a new storm tank at a Southern Water wastewater treatment works near a Kent town will help to cut storm overflows into its local river during heavy rain.

Image: storm tank at Edenbridge Wastewater Treatment Works

Nearly £1 million is being spent on the new engineering solution at Edenbridge Wastewater Treatment Works, and adds additional 48m3 of capacity meaning the site can hold 678m3 of stormwater during wet weather and be fully treated later – rather than being released into the environment to prevent water backing up into people’s homes and other buildings in the community.

The works mean there will be fewer storm overflow releases into the River Eden, a tributary of the River Medway.

Commenting on the installation, Southern Water said:

"We agree with our customers that this existing system of storm overflows is not acceptable – and this is why last week we announced our Clean Rivers and Seas Plan, which sets out how £1.5 billion will be spent to reduce spills across our entire region through the use of nature-based and engineering solutions, like storm tanks."

Director of Wastewater Operations, John Penicud, commented:

“We’re focusing on reducing the number of storm overflow releases and investing in infrastructure improvements is an important part of this process. This new storm tank is one of many ways we’re seeking to improve our environmental performance and make a positive difference across our region.”