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Coniston residents invited to find out more about water quality improvements

19 Aug 2026

United Utilities is inviting residents to find out more about major investment plans to further improve water quality in Coniston water.

Over the past 18 months, the North West's water company has delivered a series of upgrades at Coniston wastewater treatment works, including the installation of state-of-the-art technology that has increased treatment capacity by 300% and helped reduce the number of times storm overflows operate during periods of heavy rainfall.

The improvements are already delivering environmental benefits, with spills into Coniston water reduced by 50% and the bathing water rating at Coniston Boating Centre improving from 'Poor' to 'Sufficient' in 2025.

United Utilities is now planning the next phase of investment at the site to further enhance treatment performance and improve water quality in the lake.

The plans include additional treatment capacity, new screening equipment and two new storm tanks capable of storing 2,600m3 of rainwater, larger than an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The scheme will also see UV treatment installed at Coniston for the first time, helping to eliminate harmful bacteria before treated water is returned to the lake.

Preparation work is due to begin in September, with the project expected to be completed in 2028.

Residents are being encouraged to find out more at a drop-in event taking place on Wednesday 26 August at The Reading Room, Coniston Institute, 15 Yewdale Road, Coniston, LA21 8DU, between 3.30pm and 7.30pm.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet members of the project team, view the proposed designs and discuss plans for the treatment works on Lake Road.

It comes as United Utilities continues to make progress on the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure for a century. The company is investing more than £13 billion to protect and enhance over 500km of rivers, lakes and bathing waters, while safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of customers across the North West.