The River Jordan

What do Braybrooke, Market Harborough, Rockingham, Uppingham, Stamford, and Spalding have in common? The answer lies in the water that connects these places.
Meandering through Braybrooke as the Jordan, our ‘Brook’ merges with the Welland at Market Harborough. From there, it winds its way through the East Midlands, ultimately finding its way to the North Sea through the Wash. In a literal sense, everything that passes under the bridge at Braybrooke does, indeed, “come out in the Wash.”
Recently, our Parish Council met with Anglian Water, prompted by a concerning BBC News report revealing that Braybrooke’s sewerage system had overflowed twenty-seven times in 2022, totalling 215 hours.
During the inspection visit to the Newland Street site. The primary operation of the recycling system was explained. Effluent passes through tanks, undergoes aeration, filtration, treatment, and finally, the treated wastewater is released into the River Jordan.
During periods of heavy rainfall, the Recycling Centre’s capacity can be exceeded, resulting in the discharge of untreated water into the river. It’s important to note that approximately 90% of these overflows consist of rainwater. The primary challenge lies in the mixture of domestic waste and runoff water, especially during heavy downpours.
Anglian Water representatives emphasized the urgency of improving street water management and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Our council also discussed future investments, water conservation, and the nationwide challenges of meeting regulatory requirements while managing financial implications.
We will continue to monitor and advocate for the well-being of the River Jordan and the safe management of wastewater in our community.