St Bees residents invited to find out more about plans to improve water quality in the Irish Sea

United Utilities is inviting residents to find out more about plans to upgrade the wastewater treatment works in St Bees, helping to improve water quality in the Irish Sea.

The North West's water company has already completed significant improvements across the local sewer network and is now proposing further investment to increase storm water storage capacity at the treatment works, helping to reduce the number of times storm overflows operate during periods of heavy rainfall.

Over the summer, United Utilities carried out extensive sewer rehabilitation work in the village to help reduce groundwater infiltration into the wastewater network. Around 900 metres of sewer lining has been completed, creating a long-term improvement expected to last for the next 50 years.

The next phase of investment will see the existing pumping station upgraded with a new above-ground storm tank capable of storing 3,000m³ of water, which is around 30,000 bath tubs.

Once complete, the scheme is expected to reduce spills by more than 90%, improving water quality in the Irish Sea and helping to protect the local coastal environment.

Residents are invited to attend a drop-in event on Tuesday 29 September 2026, between 2pm and 7pm, at The Seacote Hotel, Beach Road, St Bees, CA27 0ES.  Visitors will have the opportunity to meet members of the project team, view the proposals and ask questions about the plans.

The St Bees scheme forms part of the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure for a century. United Utilities 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.