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Cleaner waters for Manchester Ship Canal as major improvement project reaches next phase

07 Aug 2026

The latest phase of a multi-million-pound project to improve water quality in Manchester Ship Canal has reached a major construction milestone.

United Utilities has made significant upgrades to its Warrington South wastewater treatment facility to improve the quality of the treated water that is returned to the environment at the end of the treatment process. The North West’s water company is investing over £17m on the scheme.

All major civil works at the site are now complete, with electrical installations set to continue until a full completion date for the project in the Autumn.

The work at the site on Bellhouse Lane, Halton, is one of the first sites in the UK to integrate Mobile Organic Biofilm (MOB) technology into its processes and will help the site in Warrington to improve the quality of treated wastewater, while also increasing production capacity.

The technology improves wastewater treatment by encouraging naturally occurring bacteria to break down waste more effectively. It’s more flexible than older systems and easier to install alongside existing equipment but offers a sustainable biological solution to treating waste. The new system will treat approximately 150 litres of water per second.

Maria Fletcher, County Business Lead for wastewater in Cheshire said: “We are always looking at new and innovative ways to treat wastewater in the North West and improve water quality in rivers, lakes, and seas across the region.

“MOB technology is both exciting and efficient, and we look forward to seeing how these upgrades benefit our county.”

It comes as United Utilities embarks on the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure for a century.  The company will be spending more than £13bn over the next five years to protect and enhance over 500km of rivers, lakes, and bathing waters whilst safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of customers.

The project is being delivered through United Utilities new Enterprise delivery model which brings together seven design and construction partners, plus United Utilities, into one integrated team.