A multi-million pound scheme to clean up two of east Lancashire's main rivers is getting underway.
United Utilities has started construction work on two Blackburn streets to help improve the water quality of the Blakewater and Darwen rivers. Work on the scheme will last for up to six months.
The mammoth five-year engineering programme, costing up to £35 million, will also benefit wildlife, anglers and walkers in the area. New screens will be installed at fourteen locations on the existing sewer network improving the local watercourses.
Workmen for United Utilities have started work on constructing two new combined sewer overflow chambers which will house the first of the new screens.
Carly Ratcliffe, project manager for the Blackburn scheme said:
"These improvements will help clean-up both rivers and transform the quality of water that enters the rivers from the local sewers. By increasing oxygen levels in the water we will help to improve habitats for aquatic wildlife for all to enjoy."
Jackie Swire, Environment Manager for South Lancashire at the Environment Agency, commented:
"The Environment Agency welcome the work being undertaken by United Utilities to improve the water quality of the Darwen and Blakewater. We have worked closely with United Utilities to encourage them to look at ways in which they can help make improvements to the sewage network. This will help to create a better water environment in line with European standards."
In a TV show that will explain the complex journey of the wastewater treatment process, Lakeside Equipment Corporation is set to feature in US Public Television’s All Access program with Andy Garcia.
Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo, the UK’s largest environmental event, has released the full speaker programme for its 2025 event, which now features seven shows spanning all corners of the environmental sector, under one roof at the NEC Birmingham.
We are exhibiting at WWEM – Water, Wastewater and Environmental Management Expo, which is one of the eight exhibitions taking place at the NEC, Birmingham 17-18 September 2025 as part of ESS Expo 2025. Please come along and visit us at Stand WW-S60.
Publication of the Independent Water Commission’s Final Report, alongside new legislation and updated national standards, marks a major turning point in the wider adoption of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) by water companies and developers, according to Alex Stephenson, director, SuDSPlanter.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video. 
What is to be done about the UK’s failing utilities? Listen to Professor Dieter Helm explore the options to tackle the UK’s failing utilities – Thames Water, the Royal Mail and Network Rail in particular.