Northumbrian Water invests £14m into major Sunderland region upgrades

Northumbrian Water is investing £14m in an upgrade of the company’s Washington Sewage Treatment Works (STW).

The site, off Pattinson Road, treats the wastewater from over 30,000 homes and businesses across Washington, putting it through various processes until it is of a high enough quality to return to the environment.

The investment will see work, contained within the grounds of the site, start next month and run until early 2022. This will be carried out by Northumbrian Water’s partner, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB).

Northumbrian Water has organised an event for customers to meet the team and find out more about the work that takes place at the site, what the project entails and what it will achieve.

Project manager, Ronnie Doran, said: “This project represents a significant investment that will enhance the performance of the site and ensure it has the capacity and flexibility to meet ever-changing needs and legislation on the treatment of wastewater.

“All of the work will be contained on site, though some customers who neighbour the works may be able to see crane activity at times.

“We are hoping that customers will join us at our event and find out more about what we do at the sewage treatment works, as well as about the project and how it will enhance our service.”

The project will involve the refurbishment of existing parts of the site, as well as the construction of additional settlement tanks used in the wastewater treatment process.