SEVERN Trent is undertaking a large project to help improve the river Teme, with aims to get the water at bathing quality by 2025.

This £78 million investment will help the health of both the Teme and the river Leam by implementing state-of-the-art technology at the local wastewater treatment works and overflows, as well as running the largest river monitoring programme the industry has seen, providing valuable insights and data on the quality of the water.

Ozone technology will be installed at the treatment works in Ludlow, with designs now in the final stages. This marks the first time the technology has been trialled at a sewage plant in the UK.

Ozone is already being used in water treatment, but Severn Trent will be the first to trial it on wastewater to see its effects on wider pollution, such as pharmaceuticals that are being flushed or poured down sinks. It also has the potential to tackle antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Wilfred Denga, business lead at the company, said: “If successful, Ludlow will be at the forefront of a new innovation which means there will be benefits to the River Teme that don’t exist anywhere else.

“This is such an exciting project and it’s rewarding to work in a community that is really committed to good river quality. I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of people in Ludlow and be able to share my vision, they really see the benefits.

“With this local area being a great tourist and visitor attraction, there’s a real desire to maintain that status and be a place where people can come and enjoy the local environment. So, it’s important that we, as a business, do all we can to help that happen for future generations.

“I have been with Severn Trent for 15 years, but without a doubt, my work on this bathing river project is the single proudest moment of my entire career because it will deliver a tangible output that people can see and enjoy.

“I think all of us are driven by the ambition of improving processes so rivers can be healthy and remain that way for future generations and the better work we do now, sows the seeds for the future.”