United Utilities unveils plans to improve water quality across Stockport

United Utilities will start five projects over the next six months to improve water quality across Stockport. 

The North West’s water company is investing £80m in building a series of storage tanks across the borough to reduce the number of times that storm overflows operate during periods of heavy rain. 

The company will build more than 19,000m3 of storage at the five sites – the equivalent of seven and a half Olympic sized swimming pools. This will help improve water quality in both Micker Brook and the River Mersey. 

One of the projects started this month is at Cheadle Golf Club where a 500m3 underground tank is being constructed.  Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and will improve water quality in Micker Brook. 

A key scheme will take place at Stockport wastewater treatment works where more than 16,700m3 of storage will be created by building multiple new storm tanks.  United Utilities has this week submitted an environmental impact assessment screening request to the council for the works.

Initial work is expected to start in early 2026 and will be completed by the end of 2028. The project will improve water quality in the River Mersey.

Meanwhile, two projects are due to start in Bramhall in the new year that will also help improve water quality in Micker Brook. 

Work on the Briarlands Close CSO is due to start in January 2026 and will take up to 12 months to complete.  As a result of the work, Bramhall Precinct car park will be closed for the duration of the works whilst a 1000m3 underground tank is built.

Whilst a 320m3 tank will be built at Lumb Lane.  Work is set to start there in February 2026 and will take up to 12 months to complete.

Close to the town centre, work on a 650m3 storage tank will take place near Hope Street.  Work is expected to start in Spring and be completed by the end of 2028.  This will improve water quality into the River Mersey.

Chris Borradaile, Wastewater Director for United Utilities, said: “We’re working at pace right across the region to deliver the largest investment in the wastewater network for a century.  These five projects in Stockport will make a real difference to water quality in both the River Mersey and Micker Brook.”

These are the first batch of wastewater projects that will be taking place across Stockport over the next five years 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.