Water Design Engineers

Our FWS constructed wetland at Conningbrook near Ashford is absolutely teeming with life. This is the outfall well that connects back to the River Stour - can you spot all the fish? These have spawned in the wetland which is evidently helping out with fish stocks in this stretch of the river. We also have countless frogs and a variety of bird species including Little Egret, Grey Heron, Lapwing, Kingfisher, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose and Egyptian Goose. I'm not an expert on insects, but we have plenty of those too! (dragonflies etc). #constructedwetlands #biodiversitynetgain #fish #chalkstream #riverstour #wetlandbirds

Did you know... Studies suggest that well designed constructed wetlands can sequester carbon from the atmosphere, providing a net sink after allowing for the emission of greenhouse gases from decaying leaf litter. We should be thinking about creating new wetlands for carbon sequestration, as well as woodland planting. #constructedwetlands #carbonsequestration #netzero #SuDS

This is our take on the current status of SuDS in England, with a call to action. #SuDS #schedule3 #fourpillars #raingardens #landscapearchitects #drainage #surfacewater #waterpollution #civilengineers #wetlands #environment #housing #floodmanagement

At Water Design Engineers we are on a mission to fight water pollution. Why? - Our rivers are in really poor health, chemically and ecologically - 'Forever chemicals' (PFA's) are finding their way into our drinking water supplies, some of which carry serious health risks - Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCP's) are not effectively removed by current wastewater treatment methods, allowing them to escape into our water environment - with risks to nature and humanity - The plankton in our oceans are a vital component of our climate machinery, fixing between 30 and 50 billion metric tons of carbon annually. 50% of plankton has been lost over the past 70 years, and continues to decline at 1% per year largely due to toxic chemicals and microplastics in the water (thank you Howard Dryden for educating us on this important topic). - 80% of ocean pollution comes from the land, not just beaches, but every catchment - including the one you are in right now. Stormwater runoff (we've seen a lot of this recently!) carries with it everything it comes into contact with: Litter, pesticides, herbicides, tyre and brake disc particles, hydrocarbons. OK, we appreciate that this all sounds a bit doom and gloom. So, what can be done? - 'Polishing' of effluent from wastewater treatment works (WwTW) and treatment of sewer spills (CSO's) using constructed wetlands. There is growing evidence that wetlands are effective in reducing PFA's and PPCP's in wastewater. - Using constructed wetlands to intercept and treat agricultural runoff. Wetlands have a proven track record in reduction of sediment and nutrients. - Retrofitting sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) into existing urban landscapes. There is evidence on the effectiveness of various SuDS components (either alone or as part of a 'treatment train') in reducing sediment, heavy metals, nutrients and hydrocarbons from runoff. - Using constructed wetlands to intercept and treat highway runoff. We are only just beginning to learn about the scale and makeup of highway pollution (thank you Jo Bradley and colleagues) but from what we know so far, wetlands would be effective in reducing levels of pollutants. - and in England... getting on with implementing Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act (ensuring 'proper' SuDS on all new developments) We certainly have a lot to be getting on with! #waterpollution #foreverchemicals #sewage #CSOs #PPCPs #PFAs #oceans #plankton #climatechange #constructedwetlands #SuDS #litter #highways #drainage #rivers

At Water Design Engineers we are on a mission to fight water pollution. Why? - Our rivers are in really poor health, chemically and ecologically - 'Forever chemicals' (PFA's) are finding their way into our drinking water supplies, some of which carry serious health risks - Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCP's) are not effectively removed by current wastewater treatment methods, allowing them to escape into our water environment - with risks to nature and humanity - The plankton in our oceans are a vital component of our climate machinery, fixing between 30 and 50 billion metric tons of carbon annually. 50% of plankton has been lost over the past 70 years, and continues to decline at 1% per year largely due to toxic chemicals and microplastics in the water (thank you Howard Dryden for educating us on this important topic). - 80% of ocean pollution comes from the land, not just beaches, but every catchment - including the one you are in right now. Stormwater runoff (we've seen a lot of this recently!) carries with it everything it comes into contact with: Litter, pesticides, herbicides, tyre and brake disc particles, hydrocarbons. OK, we appreciate that this all sounds a bit doom and gloom. So, what can be done? - 'Polishing' of effluent from wastewater treatment works (WwTW) and treatment of sewer spills (CSO's) using constructed wetlands. There is growing evidence that wetlands are effective in reducing PFA's and PPCP's in wastewater. - Using constructed wetlands to intercept and treat agricultural runoff. Wetlands have a proven track record in reduction of sediment and nutrients. - Retrofitting sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) into existing urban landscapes. There is evidence on the effectiveness of various SuDS components (either alone or as part of a 'treatment train') in reducing sediment, heavy metals, nutrients and hydrocarbons from runoff. - Using constructed wetlands to intercept and treat highway runoff. We are only just beginning to learn about the scale and makeup of highway pollution (thank you Jo Bradley and colleagues) but from what we know so far, wetlands would be effective in reducing levels of pollutants. - and in England... getting on with implementing Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act (ensuring 'proper' SuDS on all new developments) We certainly have a lot to be getting on with! #waterpollution #foreverchemicals #sewage #CSOs #PPCPs #PFAs #oceans #plankton #climatechange #constructedwetlands #SuDS #litter #highways #drainage #rivers

Our wetland designs cover a range of applications. Here's a selection of some of our current wetland projects: - Treatment of cider factory effluent on site to avoid tankering away - Treatment of septic tank effluent from four houses - Treatment of sewage spills from a rural WwTW - Treatment of agricultural drainage to create nutrient credits Our designs provide everything required to achieve planning permission and the securing of associated permits (abstraction, discharge, flood risk activities, IDB consent etc.). Our detailed design packages provide everything required for groundworks contractors to carry out construction. Please get in touch for any wetland design requirements. #constructedwetlands #naturebasedsolutions #wastewater #nutrientneutrality #detaileddesign #cider #beer #septictank

Having commissioned the large FWS wetland near Ashford, we are now monitoring it to ensure that vegetation is becoming established and water quality is improving. Some replanting may be required, but early lab results are showing treatment efficiencies of 42% for Total Nitrogen and 80% for Total Phosphorus. These will undoubtedly change as we go through the year, but it's an encouraging start. #constructedwetlands #nutrientneutrality #naturebasedsolutions #nitrogen #phosphorus

 Reflecting on World Water Day: A Call to Action Hello! Have you ever pondered the idea that the water you drink today shares its history with the dinosaurs? It's a fascinating thought, isn't it? On this World Water Day, let's shift our focus from the past to the present and future of our waterways. This message comes from us at Water Design Engineers Ltd, where our daily work revolves around protecting and rejuvenating our precious water sources. While the romance of ancient waters captivates us, the reality of their current state pulls us back to a pressing challenge. Our rivers, oceans, and lakes are facing unprecedented levels of pollution. As engineers, particularly those of us diving deep into drainage, sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), and wastewater treatment, we find ourselves on the front lines of this battle.  From Engineers to Environmental Guardians Consider your favourite water spot—perhaps a serene lake or a vibrant riverbank. Now, imagine finding it tarnished by pollution. This visualisation is not meant to dishearten but to ignite a sense of responsibility. At Water Design Engineers Ltd, our mission transcends beyond engineering; it's about stewardship of our water environments. We're tasked with an essential duty. Every design we draft and project we implement is a step toward cleaner, healthier water ecosystems. Through innovative SuDS and advanced wastewater treatment designs, we're not just solving engineering puzzles; we're safeguarding our planet's most vital resource.  The Future is Clear While the challenges are significant, they're not insurmountable. Each initiative we undertake at Water Design Engineers Ltd represents progress. Picture revisiting your cherished water spot, only to find it revitalised—crystal clear waters, thriving wildlife, a testament to concerted efforts and sustainable engineering practices. This is more than an optimistic scenario; it's a feasible future with targeted action and collective commitment. It's about doing our part, both as professionals in water design and as individuals who value our natural resources.  Joining Forces for Water's Sake So, as we observe World Water Day, let's recommit to the health and vitality of our waterways. It's not just about admiration for water's ancient origins but about ensuring its purity and accessibility for future generations. At Water Design Engineers Ltd, we're dedicated to this cause, leveraging our expertise to make a tangible difference. Let's all contribute to this endeavour. Whether you're in the field of water engineering or simply a concerned citizen, your actions matter. Together, we can protect and restore our planet's lifeblood. Here's to a future where every day is as impactful as World Water Day. Join us in this mission. 🌍💧

We are very pleased to announce that Water Design Engineers has received accreditation from the Constructed Wetland Association (CWA), for our wetland design and consultancy services. #constructedwetlands #wetlands #SuDS #accreditation

We are very pleased to announce that Water Design Engineers has received accreditation from the Constructed Wetland Association (CWA), for our wetland design and consultancy services. #constructedwetlands #wetlands #SuDS #accreditation