REEDS CLEAN UP WASTEWATER

MORE than 3,000 reeds have been planted as part of a green scheme to bring cleaner waters to the River Rother.

By The Newsroom

Published 11th Oct 2006, 14:22 BST

Updated 7th Jun 2018, 22:36 BST

Southern Water has invested 1.25 million in an environmental improvement project at the Crouch Farm wastewater treatment works to ensure wastewater is treated to higher standards. The new reed beds will help clean up to eight litres of wastewater per second from more than 1,000 people in Mayfield.

The "green" reeds work by sending oxygen into the gravel through their roots, helping break down any impurities in the wastewater.

Wealden MP Charles Hendry said: 'This new, sustainable technology will make a vital contribution to protecting our rivers and streams.

'Treating wastewater by using natural systems such as reed beds means that the water is as clean as possible when it is returned to the river.'