Waste works trial to improve water quality

A waste treatment works in the Lake District is to undergo a trial to understand how to improve its water quality.

United Utilities (UU) said it would reduce storm overflow operations and the amount of phosphorous in treated wastewater, as well as increasing capacity at Glenridding works, in efforts to improve the quality at Ullswater.

Ullswater, which is about 200ft (60.9m) deep, was formed after the last Ice Age when a glacier scooped out the valley floor and was filled with meltwater when the glacier retreated, according to Visit Ullswater.

UU said the improvements would inform a "permanent solution" that will be "installed by 2030". It is expected to require multi-million-pound investment.

Cumbria's wastewater business lead at the water firm, Andrew Kendall, said the trial would provide "important data" to support future investment and ensure the treatment works continued to meet increasing environmental standards.

He added the improvements would support new housing growth in the area.

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