United Utilities has started work this week on a project to improve water quality in Elterwater, within the Windermere catchment.

Photo: Langdale Wastewater Treatment Works

United Utilities is delivering the scheme at its Langdale Wastewater Treatment Works, which will help reduce the number of times that the Elterwater Pumping Station storm overflow operates.

Following a successful 12-month trial, the company is now permanently installing Mobile Organic Biofilm (MOB) technology at the site. The technology improves wastewater treatment by encouraging naturally occurring bacteria to break down waste more effectively.

During the trial, ammonia levels in treated wastewater were reduced to consistently low levels, meaning the site is already meeting new Environment Agency ammonia permit standards that are not due to come into force until 2030.

As well as treating to higher standards, the technology will enable the site to treat higher volumes of wastewater and therefore reduce storm overflow operations. As MOB is used in conjunction with existing infrastructure it is reducing construction costs and also minimising disruption to the local community.

A second project is planned to begin later this year to further enhance treatment at Langdale. This will reduce phosphorus levels to the lowest technically achievable limits before it is returned to the environment.

United Utilities is investing £200 million across the Windermere catchment over the next four years to reduce storm overflow operations and improve the quality of treated wastewater.

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

“This project shows how innovation can deliver real environmental improvements. By installing MOB technology at Langdale, we’re already achieving future regulatory standards, and it will now help reduce the number of times that the storm overflow operates, helping to improve water quality in Elterwater and Windermere for the long term.”