SAXLINGHAM STW - Secondary Wastewater Treatment in South Norfolk, England

SAXLINGHAM STW is a wastewater treatment plant located on Cargate Lane in Saxlingham Thorpe, South Norfolk, Norfolk, England. It serves a population of 2,226 and operates under the UK's regulatory framework, which implements the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for agglomerations of this size. The plant provides secondary treatment, the minimum standard required under the Directive for inland freshwater discharges from populations between 2,000 and 10,000. With a designed capacity of 2,526 m³/day and an average discharge volume of 495.59 m³/day, the plant operates well within its capacity. The treated effluent is discharged to local watercourses that drain into the River Yare catchment, ultimately reaching the North Sea via Breydon Water. The plant plays a key role in protecting the sensitive aquatic ecosystems of the Norfolk Broads, a region of high ecological value supporting diverse wildlife and migratory birds.

The plant discharges into the River Yare catchment, which flows through the Norfolk Broads and into Breydon Water before reaching the North Sea. The Broads are a network of shallow lakes and rivers that support rare aquatic plants, invertebrates, and bird species. Secondary treatment helps reduce nutrient loads that could otherwise contribute to eutrophication in these sensitive waters.