United Utilities to Overhaul UK Water Treatment Plant

Water network operator United Utilities has unveiled plans to upgrade the Bickerstaffe treatment plant in West Lancashire, UK, following planning approval.

The plant will be extended as part of a £62.5m scheme aimed at increasing its supply capacity to serve 250,000 customers and safeguard future water supplies for the area.

The first phase of the project, which is expected to be carried out within the next five years, involves a major overhaul to the Bickerstaffe treatment works, as well as bringing a borehole at Melling back into operational service.

The second phase of the project, to be carried out after 2015, will involve further upgrades to the treatment plant, exploration of new borehole water sources and the gradual retirement from service of five smaller water plants in the area.

A planning application for the project will be submitted in May 2011, according to osadvertiser.co.uk.