The UK’s first reedbed and wetlands storm overflow has just been opened, in which excess wastewater is filtered of its pollutants by native plants before it flows into the river.
Sited at Pont-y-Felin in Torfaen, Wales, the newly constructed wetland makes use of reedbeds and pools, through which excess waste and rainwater flows.
Usually, this water would head into the River Usk downstream, but it’s hoped that this nature-based design will offer a low- carbon, scalable and environmentally-friendly model that brings long- term benefits to local communities and wildlife.
Peter Perry, CEO of Welsh Water, said: “Pont-y-Felin shows how we can work with nature to improve water quality and build climate resilience with solutions that benefit both the environment and future generations.”
The Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies opening the reeded | Credit: Welsh Water
