United Utilities will start work at the beginning of January on the next stage of its plans to help improve water quality around Staveley.

At its treatment works in the village, new storage tanks will be created to reduce the number of times that storm overflows operate during heavy rain. There will also be new equipment installed to increase the capacity of the works and ensure that wastewater is treated to higher standards.

This will help to continue to improve water quality in the River Kent and will build on work already carried out in 2025. The North West’s water company has already increased the capacity of its treatment works by 50% and has re-lined nearly 400m of pipes to stop infiltration into the sewer network.

Plans are also being developed for new pipes to be laid under the River Kent and for a scheme to remove surface water from the sewer network in Staveley village.

Andrew Kendall, Wastewater Business Lead for Cumbria at United Utilities, said:

“Over the last few years we’ve been working hard to look at solutions to help us reduce infiltration into our sewer network in the village, reduce the number of times storm overflows operate and ultimately improve water quality in the River Kent. We’ve been working closely with the Clean River Kent Group and Staveley Parish Council as we look to deliver the schemes.

“I’m really pleased that the next phase of our works is now starting as it will help us to deliver the environmental benefits to the River Kent that we all want to see.”

The water company will be spending more than £13 billion over the next five years to protect and enhance over 500km of rivers, lakes and bathing waters whilst safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of customers.