Agricultural sector

The UK agricultural off-mains wastewater sector is essential for managing water and wastewater efficiently on farms. This sector covers various farming activities, including livestock, arable, and horticultural operations, each with distinct water usage and disposal requirements.

Off-mains drainage refers to systems that function independently of the main public sewer network, managing water supply, drainage, and wastewater treatment on-site. This is particularly important in rural areas where connecting to the mains sewer is not feasible.

UK farmers prioritise effective off-mains drainage systems to meet environmental regulations and maintain sustainable practices. This involves properly treating wastewater before it is released into the environment, thereby preventing pollution and protecting natural water sources.

Recently, there has been an increased focus on innovative and eco-friendly solutions within the sector. Farms are investing in technologies such as advanced filtration systems, reed bed treatment systems, and anaerobic digesters to reduce their environmental impact.

Slurry separators and nutrient recovery systems are crucial in the agricultural sector, particularly on livestock farms where managing manure and slurry is vital to preventing water contamination and optimising nutrient use. Additionally, silage effluent tanks play a key role in managing the highly polluting liquid produced during silage fermentation, preventing it from contaminating watercourses.

As the demand for sustainable practices grows, the UK agricultural off-mains wastewater sector is expected to see further technological advancements, more stringent regulations, and a shift towards more environmentally friendly approaches to water and wastewater management.