Transforming Redundant Wastewater Tanks into a Working, Nature-Based Solution
September 10, 2026
In May 2026, Biomatrix Water worked with YTL Construction UK to deliver 275 square metres of floating wetlands at Cheddar Water Recycling Centre, Somerset, on behalf of Wessex Water.
Constructed and installed by Biomatrix Water, with engineering from Mott MacDonald, the wetlands form part of Wessex Water’s pioneering programme of nature based solutions.
The wetlands were installed on a retired, re-purposed aeration ditch, transforming a redundant wastewater tank into a working, nature-based solution.
The aim: to improve the quality of water from stormwater overflows before it ever reaches the watercourse.
Built using Biomatrix Water’s Geomatrix design, 82 interlocking modules now support a thriving population of 3,296 aquatic plants, whose roots provide the perfect scaffold for the growth of biofilm – dense, sticky communities of bacteria, algae and fungi.
This natural layer removes nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from the water, whilst filtering organic matter.
Beyond water quality improvements, the wetlands have many secondary benefits. Just three months in, they’re providing critical habitat for wildlife, with a pair of ducks taking up residence and even successfully raising a brood.
Alistair Barlow, Project Manager – Nature Based Solutions, YTL Construction UK said:
“These wetlands are one of 36 nature based solutions [NBS] to be delivered as part of Wessex Water’s pioneering 5-year plan to demonstrate the effectiveness of NBS in wastewater treatment. I recently returned to the site to check how they’re coping with the dry weather and was pleased to see they are thriving, with a pair of ducks even taking up residence. Water sampling will now be carried out at the inlet and outlet of the NBS to monitor performance, and we look forward to receiving the results.”
David Naismith, Senior Associate – Wetlands Consultant, Mott MacDonald said:
“Mott Macdonald are pleased to provide engineering services to this project. We have a keen interest in integrating floating wetlands and other natural solutions into wastewater infrastructure across the UK and beyond.”
As water and wastewater treatment works are upgraded over time, historic assets such as tanks become redundant and are often abandoned as the cost of removal is high. Retrofitting with modular floating wetlands provides opportunities for natural effluent and stormwater treatment prior to discharge, giving the stranded assets a new lease of life.
