United Utilities has announced plans to invest more than £230 million (US$310 million) in two wastewater treatment plants in Lancashire, as part of efforts to improve water quality in the River Douglas.
The upgrades will focus on facilities in Wigan and Skelmersdale, located between the villages of Hoscar and Parbold. The company said the work is intended to meet the needs of a growing population while complying with stricter environmental standards. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion targeted for 2030.
New treatment technology will be installed at both sites to improve the quality of treated wastewater before it is discharged into the river. The measures are expected to reduce levels of phosphorus, ammonia and iron entering the River Douglas.
United Utilities said the improvements will also expand capacity at both plants. Alongside refurbishment of existing storm tanks, this is intended to reduce the frequency of storm overflow releases during periods of heavy rainfall, an issue that has drawn increasing public and regulatory scrutiny.
At the Wigan site, the company plans to install what it describes as the UK’s largest membrane bioreactor system
At the Wigan site, the company plans to install what it describes as the UK’s largest membrane bioreactor system. The filtration technology is designed to produce more consistent water quality and handle higher volumes of wastewater.
The investment follows a previously announced £50 million programme across six sites in Wigan aimed at increasing storage capacity to limit storm overflow activity.
Simon Holding, wastewater business lead for United Utilities in Lancashire, said the scheme would help address both environmental concerns and future demand linked to housing growth in the area. He added that reducing the use of storm overflows had been a priority raised by customers.
The project forms part of a wider £13 billion investment programme by United Utilities across the North West of England through to 2030. The company says the programme is intended to improve hundreds of kilometres of rivers, lakes and bathing waters, while maintaining drinking water supplies.
The works will be delivered through the company’s Enterprise delivery model, which brings together United Utilities and a group of design and construction partners.
