Innovative reedbed system to improve water quality at Syd Brook in Eccleston

Overview

A new reedbed system is being installed at Eccleston, near Chorley, to improve water quality in Syd Brook, a tributary of the River Yarrow. In partnership with the Environment Agency, this system will help ensure that storm water released from a combined sewer overflow is cleaner and safer for the local ecosystem.

Challenge

The challenge is to improve water quality at Syd Brook by finding a solution to naturally treat the storm water being released from the CSO, reducing ammonia and enhancing the overall river health.

Solution

This innovative project involves the construction of three adjoining reedbeds, a green solution to treating storm water. The reedbeds act as a natural filter with a series of pipes installed to pump in air, increasing oxygen levels and enhancing the treatment performance of the wetland by up to 15 times. This will ensure that storm water is treated before being returned to the environment, significantly improving its quality.

Outcome

Testing has already confirmed that ammonia levels have declined, and ongoing monitoring will track invertebrate levels as an indicator of river health.

We are planning on investing £729 million to reduce spills from 91 storm overflows in Lancashire, contributing to a proposed £13.7 billion investment to create a stronger, greener, and healthier North West.