Tendring Hydrorecycle - ADOPT project
Reuse, Refresh, Regrow. Naturally filtered wastewater for local growth.
The Challenge
A growing population, hotter, drier weather and tightening abstraction rules mean farms may not be able to depend on traditional sources of water into the future. Irrigation is essential for yields, so farmers now face the urgent challenge of finding new, resilient water solutions.
Regional forecasts show that by 2050, farms in the East of England could be short of 59 million litres of water every day. Our on-farm trial partners could expect water availability to drop by 25% by 2035. That’s a huge challenge - and as growers of turf, potatoes and onions, one we are keen to find a solution to.
The Solution
To help tackle this, we’re trialling a new approach using recycling treated wastewater from a coastal treatment works via ADOPT funding. The ADOPT fund is available to help farmers trial real solutions, get expert support, and access funding – all tailored for farmers, growers and foresters in England.
For this project, the wastewater will run through a closed system of constructed reedbeds. Our goal is to prove that this water can be safely used for irrigation by local farmers.
The Trial
We will be filtering the water through two reedbed designs (one vertical flow, the other horizontal flow), along with three storage ponds which will test different farm reservoir treatment conditions. The trial has been designed with safety of the local environment paramount and uses a fully lined, closed system to test the effectiveness of the reedbeds. While we closely monitor water quality, all flow will be returned to its original source – the treated wastewater outfall to sea.
If proven to be safe through extensive testing, the water could be transferred to existing farm reservoirs. Providing a year-round plentiful supply of water for multiple farmers to recycle and share.
Our trial will include significant engagement with regulators, water resource planners and the onward supply chain. Gathering valuable experience to try and influence national policy and creating a blueprint for other farmers and landowners.
The Results
Follow our LinkedIn page for news on the trial progress and results as they come in. Our trial site will also be open to visitors at future organised events.
Or contact us on: hydrorecycle@tendringfarmcluster.co.uk