United Utilities to improve water quality in Wigan with £50m scheme

United Utilities has announced plans to improve water quality in Pennington Flash and help future proof Wigan’s sewer system as the area continues to grow. 

As part of the process, the water company has submitted an environmental impact assessment screening request to Wigan Council for the initial phase of work. 

The North West water and wastewater company is investing £50m at six sites to create more than 33,000m3 of new storage – the equivalent of more than 13 Olympic sized swimming pools. This will help to reduce the number of times that six storm overflows spill, improving water quality in Borsdane Brook and Hey Brook.

The planned works will also reduce phosphorous inputs into those water courses and takes into account the future population growth in the Wigan area.

A landmark nature site, Pennington Flash is part of The Flashes of Wigan and Leigh - a group of eight sites that together form Greater Manchester’s first and only National Nature Reserve (NNR).

Work is expected to begin later this year, with all the improvements due to be delivered by 2030.

Andrew Cunliffe, Wastewater Business Lead for Greater Manchester at United Utilities, said: “We’re embarking on the largest transformation of the region’s water and wastewater networks in a century.  This scheme will play an important role in improving water quality at a much-loved nature reserve whilst also supporting plans for Wigan’s expected growth.” 

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 Pennington Flash programme will be delivered through United Utilities’ new Enterprise delivery model, bringing together United Utilities and seven design and construction partners as one integrated team.