Deputy First Minister Opens UK’s First Reedbed and Wetlands Storm Overflow in Torfaen
Deputy First Minister Opens UK’s First Reedbed and Wetlands Storm Overflow in Torfaen
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Wales has become home to a UK first, as Welsh Water officially opened its pioneering £13 million reedbed and wetlands storm overflow at Pont-y-felin in Torfaen.
The project, unveiled on Thursday by Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies alongside Welsh Water Chief Executive Peter Perry, marks a major innovation in sustainable water management and climate resilience.
Unlike traditional storm overflow systems, which release a mix of wastewater and rainwater directly into rivers during heavy rainfall, this new site uses a network of reedbeds and wetland pools to naturally filter and clean the excess water.
Once treated, the water is safely released into the Afon Lwyd, significantly reducing the environmental impact on both the river and the Afon Wysg/Usk, a Special Area of Conservation downstream.
By replacing conventional infrastructure such as large concrete storage tanks with a nature-based solution, Welsh Water has delivered significant environmental and financial gains, saving £40 million and avoiding more than 3,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The scheme forms part of Welsh Water’s £2.5 billion investment plan over the next five years, aimed at improving the environment, reducing storm overflows, and restoring river health across Wales.
Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who holds responsibility for climate change, said: “Projects like Pont-y-felin show what’s possible when we work with natural processes rather than against them – delivering bold, nature-based solutions that deliver cleaner water, lower emissions, and real community value.
“We want to see more of this across Wales; projects that protect our precious waterways, support biodiversity, and create lasting benefits for our communities, ensuring we build a more sustainable and resilient Wales for future generations.”
Peter Perry, CEO of Welsh Water, added: “We’re proud to be playing a leading role in restoring and protecting Wales’ waterways. Pont-y-felin is a powerful example of how we can work with nature to improve river water quality and build climate resilience.
“We’re committed to delivering more green, innovative projects like this, solutions that benefit both the environment and future generations.”
In addition to its ecological benefits, the Pont-y-felin site also includes new footpaths, seating areas, and educational signage, transforming the area into a vibrant green space for residents and visitors.
Now fully operational, the site is already treating storm overflows and will gradually open to the public over the coming weeks, providing both a working example of green innovation and a new community amenity.
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