NI Water unveils £4m nature-based wastewater plant in Aghanloo using reed bed technology

Aghanloo nature-based wastewater plant

A £4 million wastewater treatment upgrade on the outskirts of Aghanloo is set to reshape how sewage is processed in rural Northern Ireland, with NI Water turning to a nature-led system that relies on thousands of reeds instead of energy-intensive machinery.

The newly completed facility outside Limavady replaces traditional treatment methods with an eco-friendly process designed to cut energy use, reduce maintenance costs and deliver long-term environmental protection for local waterways.

Reed beds replace traditional treatment systems

At the heart of the project is Phragmafiltre®, an innovative wastewater treatment technology that uses a series of planted reed beds to naturally filter and treat water.

More than 10,000 reeds have been planted across 3,000 square metres at the site, forming six separate reed beds that together cover an area equivalent to around 16 tennis courts. The system allows wastewater to be treated to required environmental standards without relying heavily on mechanical processes.

NI Water said the approach has already been widely used across Europe, particularly in rural locations where land is available to support nature-based infrastructure.

Lower energy use and long-term saving

Michael Donnelly, NI Water Senior Project Manager, said the scheme reflects a wider shift towards sustainable infrastructure.

“NI Water is committed to adopting sustainable approaches to wastewater treatment where possible. The new eco-friendly system installed at Aghanloo has been tried and tested throughout Europe and is widely used in rural areas where sufficient land exists to construct a series of reed beds.

“By letting nature take its course, the new treatment works will treat the wastewater to the required environmental standard in a much more efficient way. By incorporating fewer mechanical components into the treatment works, maintenance requirements will be reduced, resulting in operational cost savings for NI Water.”

The reduced reliance on pumps and mechanical systems is expected to lower both energy consumption and ongoing operational costs, while improving reliability over time.

Environmental gains and community impact

Beyond wastewater treatment, the new facility is designed to deliver wider environmental benefits. The reed beds create a natural habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife, while also helping manage stormwater and protect surrounding waterways.

Mr Donnelly added that the site has been designed to blend into the local landscape while supporting the area’s long-term needs.

“The new nature-based Aghanloo Wastewater Treatment Works is a low carbon, low energy facility that integrates seamlessly into the landscape and will serve the area sustainably for the next 20 years. The series of reed beds offers a thriving environment for birds, insects and other wildlife and provides a natural stormwater defence that will protect and enhance local waterways.”

The investment is expected to support local growth while ensuring environmental standards are maintained as demand on infrastructure increases.

Part of a wider rollout across Northern Ireland

The Aghanloo scheme is part of a broader programme by NI Water to expand the use of nature-based wastewater systems across Northern Ireland.

A similar installation was completed in Ballykelly in 2022, while other locations already benefiting from comparable systems include Loughries in County Down, Stoneyford in County Antrim, Clabby and Castle Archdale in County Fermanagh, and Ballykelly in County Londonderry.

Further projects using Phragmafiltre® technology are currently under construction at Robinsonstown, outside Portadown, and at Garrison in County Fermanagh.

Delivery and partnerships behind the project

Construction of the Aghanloo facility was carried out by Lowry Building & Civil Engineering, based in Castlederg, and Avove Ireland, based in Newry, working together as part of the DLJ Water joint venture.

Project management and technical support were provided by Belfast-based TetraTech, with DLJ Water - a partnership between Deane Public Works, Lowry Building & Civil Engineering and Avove Ireland - established to deliver sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure projects across Ireland.

The completion of the Aghanloo plant signals a continued shift towards lower-carbon, nature-driven infrastructure, with NI Water positioning reed bed systems as a long-term solution for rural communities facing growing environmental and capacity pressures.

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At a glance

• £4 million investment in Aghanloo wastewater treatment upgrade

• New system uses Phragmafiltre® reed bed technology

• Over 10,000 reeds planted across 3,000 square metres

• Six reed beds covering area equivalent to 16 tennis courts

• Lower energy use and reduced maintenance requirements

• Designed to serve the area for the next 20 years

• Provides habitat for wildlife and supports stormwater management

• Part of wider NI Water rollout across multiple rural locations

• Similar systems already operational in several NI sites