United Utilities is investing £77.7 million (US$98.3 million) in its Burnley wastewater treatment plant to enhance water quality in the River Ribble. In line with its commitment to river quality improvement, the North West water company is implementing a significant upgrade at the facility. This project will introduce new processes to boost treatment capacity and decrease phosphorus and other nutrients in the discharged water.
Scheduled for completion in summer 2025, this initiative will play a vital role in enhancing water quality in the River Calder, a tributary of the River Ribble. The upgraded facility will cater to the increasing demand from Burnley and neighboring towns by expanding its capacity by 27%. This capacity increase, along with additional stormwater storage, will help reduce storm overflows during heavy rain periods.
Initiated in 2021, the project is making good progress, with most construction work completed, now focusing on mechanical and electrical installations. Significant improvements will be made to the treatment processes at the plant by utilizing more advanced technology to elevate wastewater treatment to a higher standard.
Senior Project Manager Tony Elliott stated: “Our customers aspire for cleaner rivers and fewer instances of untreated sewage release into the environment. This project addresses this issue by storing more sewage during heavy rainfall and enhancing the treatment process itself to ensure cleaner treated water is continuously released into the River Calder.”
United Utilities is allocating £77.7 million (US$98.3 million) at its Burnley wastewater treatment facility to enhance water quality in the River Ribble. In addition to expanding the facility’s capacity, we are implementing new procedures to accelerate the treatment process. These innovations incorporate a cutting-edge technology utilizing iron oxide particles to enhance treatment capacity and decrease nutrients, including phosphorus.
The iron particles are subsequently reclaimed using a magnetic drum and recycled within the system. The enhancement in Burnley forms part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing water quality in Pendle Water and the River Calder by improving wastewater treatment and decreasing the frequency of storm overflows in the region.
Tony further stated: “By increasing sewer capacity throughout the local network, upgrading Burnley Wastewater Treatment Works, and making enhancements at Hyndburn Wastewater Treatment Works, this investment will enhance water quality in Pendle Water, the River Calder, and ultimately the River Ribble.”
United Utilities has allocated over £330 million in the last five years across Lancashire for various projects, from infrastructure enhancements to riverside tree planting programs, all contributing to improved water quality in the River Ribble and its tributaries.
In its draft business strategy spanning 2025 – 2030, United Utilities is proposing an unprecedented investment of £13.7 billion to promote cleaner rivers, more dependable water supplies, and additional assistance for customers facing financial difficulties in the North West.
The regulatory body will assess the proposals and provide initial feedback by June 2024. The final plans will be approved by December 2024.”
Source: United Utilities
