£5m upgrade starts at Bexton Road to improve water quality in Knutsford

The North West’s water company has started work to upgrade its Bexton Road storm overflow capacity to reduce the number of times that the overflow operates during heavy rain.

The £5m plans include setting up a new, larger underground storm tank, kiosk and chamber which will ultimately improve water quality in the nearby Serpentine Water. Along the way, United Utilities will be engaging with students from the neighbouring Knutsford Academy to speak with pupils about the ongoing works, how it will benefit the environment and future career options in science, engineering, technology and mathematics (STEM).

An area of land is being used within the grounds of Knutsford Academy to complete the project, and a recent public exhibition on 2 June at the school showcased the plans in full, with a clear timeline of the works and benefits of the project for both the local community and the environment.

Sean Reid, County Business Lead for wastewater in Cheshire said: “Over the next five years, United Utilities will undertake the largest ever investment in water and wastewater services in the North West, spending more than £13 billion to deliver for the environment, improve the health of rivers and seas and tackle leakage.

“As part of this investment, it will tackle more than 1,100 storm overflows – including 52 storm overflows in Cheshire - and reduce activations by over 60% by 2030 delivering the step change people want to see.

“We’re also excited to be working with staff from the science department at Knutsford Academy to deliver some bespoke, STEM themed lessons, which we hope will inspire the next generation of engineers.”

United Utilities is due to complete the upgrades in September of 2026.