£200,000 Salford sewer upgrade to cut storm overflow activity and protect the River Irwell

United Utilities has started work on a project to replumb part of the sewer network in Salford to help improve water quality in the River Irwell.

The £200,000 scheme on Blackburn Street will see rainwater diverted away from the combined sewer system and back into the river, reducing pressure on the network during periods of heavy rainfall.

More than one hectare of land will be replumbed so rainwater can flow into the existing surface water network. By removing surface water from the combined sewer system, the upgrades will help ease pressure on the network during periods of intense rainfall and reduce the need for storm overflows to operate in the area.

To allow the work to be carried out safely, a section of Blackburn Street will be temporarily closed between the junctions with Silk Street and Linen Court. A short diversion will be in place for the duration of the works.

The investment forms part of a wider collaboration with Muse, ensuring new developments are designed with rainwater management in mind across new developments in the Adelphi Village zone of the Crescent Salford development area.

Johnny Phillips, from the Rainwater Management team at United Utilities, said: “This scheme is about making a real, lasting difference to both the local environment and the resilience of our sewer network. By separating rainwater from wastewater and giving it a clear route back to the river, we can significantly reduce pressure on the sewer system during heavy rainfall and cut the need for storm overflows to operate.

“The investment we’re making on Blackburn Street will help improve water quality in the River Irwell and supports the wider regeneration of the Adelphi Village area. It’s a great example of how collaboration with partners like Muse allows us to manage rainwater more sustainably, protect rivers, and support growth in a way that works for communities and the environment.”

The work in Salford is part of United Utilities’ wider £280 million Rainwater Management Programme, which is introducing sustainable drainage and nature‑based solutions across the North West to reduce flooding risk, protect rivers and improve long‑term resilience.

United Utilities is currently investing more than £13 billion to protect and enhance over 500 kilometres of rivers, lakes and bathing waters, while safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of customers.