United Utilities to invest £50m to futureproof Wigan’s sewers

In a bid to improve water quality at Pennington Flash and five other sites, the water provider is looking to increase its storage capacity by more than 33,000 cubic metres – a move that should limit the amount of spillage caused by storm overflows.

This should, in turn, reduce the amount of phosphorus entering Wigan’s flashes, rivers, and brooks.

Increasing storage capacity will also help future proof Wigan’s sewer system as its population continues to grow, United Utilities said.

In addition to Pennington Flash, other waterways to benefit from the company’s £50m investment include Borsdane Brook and Hey Brook.

To get the ball rolling, United Utilities has submitted an environmental impact assessment screening request. The group is hopeful it will be able to commence work on the improvements later this year, with the entire project set to finish by 2030.

Andrew Cunliffe, wastewater business lead for Greater Manchester at United Utilities, stated: “We’re embarking on the largest transformation of the region’s water and wastewater networks in a century.

“This scheme will play an important role in improving water quality at a much-loved nature reserve whilst also supporting plans for Wigan’s expected growth.”

Across the North, United Utilities has committed to contributing more than £13bn over the next five years to improve water quality in the region. This includes £350m to upgrade the Davyhulme wastewater treatment works.