Water recycling plant helps potato packing firm cut water use by 85%

A £1M water recycling plant in the South West has enabled potato packer and distributor Branston to reduce its use of mains water by 85%.

As a result of the plant in Ilminster, Somerset, Branston is saving 41 cubic metres of mains water a day, as waste water from washing potatoes is filtrated, stored and reused on site.

Branston's general manager, Ian Wait, said the company looked at how water was used on site and worked with local agencies to find methods of reducing its mains water usage.

He said: "We reached our target of 85% reduction in mains water usage around four weeks ago and are now working at our full potential.

"This has significantly helped reduce our reliance on the town's main supply."

The recycling system treats the waste water from washing potatoes by removing the soil. The water is then passed through a membrane bioreactor for further filtration, which can then be safely reused.

In addition, the recycling unit also allows cleaner water to be drained into the sewerage system.