United Utilities is set to start work on two projects which will see upgrades to both the water and United wastewater network in Troutbeck - the water company for the North West is investing more than £4.8 million on both schemes.
At the wastewater treatment works, Work will start later this summer at the wastewater treatment works on the second phase of a project to improve the quality of the treated wastewater that is returned to the environment at the end of the treatment process.
Following a successful trial, the project will see two innovative chemical-free sewage treatment units installed. The FujiClean units provide an innovative low-carbon, chemical-free wastewater treatment solution that provides phosphorus removal without the use of chemicals.
The existing trial unit will be kept in place until two new larger units are installed on a permanent basis. The year-long project is part of wider investment plans to improve water quality across the Windermere catchment.
Separately, work to improve the resilience and reliability of the water network in the area will get underway in June as part of part of United Utilities’ region-wide programme which will see more than 925km of mains upgraded by 2030.
Between June and August, work will be carried out along Holbeck Lane from the A591 through to the junction with Holbeck Close to upgrade just under a kilometre of water mains. A signed diversion will be in place while work is carried out.
Kate Stark, United Utilities’ Area Engagement Lead for Cumbria said:
“These important projects will bring direct benefits to customers both by reducing leaks and bursts on the water network and delivering environmental benefits.”
Contract partners M Group will carry out the work to upgrade the water mains.
New underground tank proposed to protect Windermere’s water quality
Separately, United Utilities has announced plans to build a new storage tank at the Glebe as part of its plans to improve water quality in Windermere.
The company is inviting members of the public to find out more at two events later this month ahead of it submitting planning permission later this summer.
Subject to securing the necessary planning permission, the company would build a 30-metre diameter, below ground storage tank which can hold around 10,000m3 of stormwater.
The tank would help cut the number of times that the storm overflow in the area operates and will help to improve water quality in Windermere.
If planning permission is granted. it is expected that the project would start in 2027 and be completed in early 2030.
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.
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.”
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