Northumbrian Water rolls out Willington pilot project

Northumbrian Water is using timber modular buildings at sewage treatment works under a £6.7 million upgrade scheme, starting with Willington Sewage Treatment Works.

The timber building, designed to house treatment equipment, offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional glass-reinforced plastic kiosks.

Dean Thompson, project manager at Northumbrian Water, said: “This is a really exciting first for us, and for the industry in England.

“The environmental benefits include replacing more carbon-intensive materials, as well as the carbon storage qualities of timber – 1m³ of timber can store a tonne of CO².

“Additionally, this innovative change could support sustainable forestry and protect biodiversity.

“We’re really excited for these trials, to really understand the future benefits and potential of making a switch in more sites, with many more treatment work upgrades to come as we invest £1.7bn over the next five years in projects to benefit the environment.”

The timber unit is currently being fitted out by Aquazone before installation at the Willington site.

A second unit is planned for Stressholme Sewage Treatment Works near Darlington, part of a separate £25.6 million scheme to improve water quality in the River Tees.

Both projects aim to enhance the treatment process and ensure cleaner water is returned to rivers, supporting wider environmental goals.

Both projects are being delivered by Costain.