Urban regeneration and population growth happening across the south east means more wastewater to deal with, and the need to upgrade water treatment works and increase sewer capacity.

Work took place throughout 2007/8 on a £40.8 million upgrade at a Southern Water wastewater treatment works in Ashford to cope with housing growth in the area. The work includes refurbishment of the pumping station and new dryer which heat waste up to 350°c to make it suitable for use as soil conditioner.