Northumbrian Water in largest North East upgrade

Northumbrian Water is embarking on the biggest package of upgrades in its history, with a bold plan to protect the environment, strengthen essential water and sewer systems, and support communities across the North East.

The water company, which serves around three million people across the region with reliable, high-quality water and wastewater services 24/7, is investing £2.6 billion over five years (2025-2030).

Its investment plans will mean cleaner rivers, fewer flooding incidents and a reliable and resilient water supply now and for generations to come.

Plus, the five-year plan will boost the North East economy by £5.7 billion, supporting thousands of jobs and local businesses.

And for every pound spent as part of the work, 60 pence of it will stay in the region, creating opportunities for local suppliers and contractors.

Work is already underway, with a number of projects in progress across the region, tackling everything from replacing ageing water mains and upgrading sewer networks to improving treatment works.

These investments are already improving things customers asked the water company to invest in, including reducing storm overflow spills, protecting rivers and strengthening resilience for homes and businesses.

Some of these projects include:

Browney, County Durham – a £10 million scheme upgrading Browney sewage treatment works to increase capacity, improve treatment processes and protect the River Browney. Work will complete in winter 2027.
Middlesbrough – 23 kilometres of water mains are being replaced as part of a £5 million investment in water quality and to protect supplies for 2600 homes and businesses in the area.
Ovingham Eel Screens, Northumberland – An £11 million project due for completion in October 2026. The European Eel Recovery Project is delivering new, environmentally friendly fish exclusion screens at the raw water pumping station at Ovingham, between Wylam and Ovingham on the River Tyne. The screens are specifically designed to protect the rare European Eel, alongside other migratory species, by enabling safer upstream passage and reducing the risk of harm at the intake.

Nearly 800 projects are planned across the region over the five years and also include:

Willington, Low Wadsworth and Bishop Auckland, County Durham – a £26.9 million programme to upgrade three sewage treatment works will begin in 2026, improving treatment processes and removing phosphorus to protect water quality in the River Wear. A further £44.1 million investment to reduce storm overflow spills in the area will follow.
Ouseburn, Newcastle – A £6 million investment will start at the end of 2026 and will focus on reducing storm overflow discharges and upgrading local sewer infrastructure. These improvements will help protect water quality in Ouseburn and surrounding communities.
Berwick-upon-Tweed – A £175 million project to replace outdated storm tanks, install innovative smart monitoring and strengthen the sewer network, reducing storm overflow incidents and improving water quality. Work begins early 2027.

This investment means communities across the North East can expect cleaner rivers, waterways and beaches, reduced flooding risks for homes and more reliable water supplies during heatwaves and cold winters.

For more information about Northumbrian Water’s projects across the region, visit www.nwl.co.uk/investmentplan

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