WIVELISCOMBE HILLSMOOR STW - Secondary Wastewater Treatment in Somerset, England

WIVELISCOMBE HILLSMOOR STW is a wastewater treatment works located near Wiveliscombe in Somerset, England. The plant serves a population of approximately 3,191, classifying it as a small agglomeration under UK and EU regulations. It is situated inland, more than 10 km from the coast, and operates within the rural landscape of Somerset. The plant provides secondary treatment, which is the standard required by the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) for freshwater discharges from agglomerations of this size. The designed capacity is 5,583 m³/day, and the current discharge volume is 710.43 m³/day, indicating operational headroom. As a UK facility, it is regulated by the Environment Agency under the Water Industry Act 1991, with discharge permits that set limits on effluent quality. The treated effluent from WIVELISCOMBE HILLSMOOR STW is discharged to local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Bristol Channel via the River Tone and the Parrett estuary. This catchment supports diverse aquatic life and is important for migratory fish species. The plant's operation helps protect downstream water quality in a region valued for its natural environment.

The plant discharges into the River Tone catchment, which flows through Somerset to the Parrett estuary and then into the Bristol Channel. This watershed supports a range of freshwater and estuarine habitats, including important spawning grounds for salmon and trout. The area is ecologically sensitive due to its role in maintaining water quality for downstream wetlands and coastal ecosystems.