Anglian Water has commenced improvement work to Debenham's Water Recycling Centre (WRC), installing new equipment which will remove phosphorous from wastewater, improving river water quality nearby.

Work started on site at Debenham WRC off Thorpe Lane this month and is expected to finish by the end of the year. As the upgrades are taking place on site at the WRC, Anglian Water customers in the local area should not experience any disruption during the scheme.

Phosphorous is widely used in soaps and cleaning products but can be harmful to wildlife when it reaches rivers and other watercourses. The investment at Debenham WRC, which is worth more than £650,000, includes new equipment to strengthen the current water recycling process and remove even more phosphorous from wastewater. This equipment will help remove harmful algae growth and improve water quality in local watercourses.


Anglian Water's team has used detailed modelling of the local system to design a robust engineering scheme which will help to protect local watercourses in Debenham now and in the future. This investment means the water entering the River Deben from Debenham WRC will be even cleaner, protecting wildlife and water quality in the river.

In addition to the upgraded phosphorous removal technology at Debenham, Anglian Water is installing similar technology at several other points along the River Deben, which will help improve the quality of water returned to the environment from WRCs throughout the catchment.

The water company has also worked with local river groups with their recent application for designated bathing water status on a stretch of the Deben, carrying out extra water quality tests. Anglian Water is now also proposing new disinfection measures in its 2025-30 business plan, which would further improve the river's water quality.