More than £2.3m invested to improve water quality at New Forest wastewater treatment works
Southern Water has completed a major upgrade to Lyndhurst Wastewater Treatment Works in the New Forest.
The £2.3m works will help to improve water quality at Beaulieu River and reduce the risk of storm overflows.
The improvements will significantly enhance the quality of treated wastewater released into the environment and increase the site’s capacity to treat larger volumes—especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
This is part of Southern Water’s wider commitment to protect waterways and reducing the impact of storm overflows. It is one of five schemes at treatment works in the New Forest, with nearly £50m set to be spent over the next 12 months.
Key upgrades at Lyndhurst include:
- Enhanced chemical dosing equipment for ferric sulphate, which will improve phosphorus removal from effluent.
- Installation of larger pumps to increase treatment capacity and reduce the need to divert flows to storm tanks during dry weather.
The project was delivered by GTb on behalf of Southern Water.
Glen Price, Senior Site Manager for GTb, said:
“We’re really pleased to have completed this project. This is the first of five projects in the New Forest to be completed. The other four will be finished by March 2026. The team have worked tirelessly to make sure we meet the regulation dates and the new discharge requirements.”
Managing Director for Wastewater at Southern Water, John Penicud, said:
“This investment is a key part of our drive to improve environmental performance across our region. By increasing treatment capacity and improving phosphorus removal, we’re helping protect the sensitive watercourses and unique ecosystems of the New Forest.
As one of the UK’s most treasured national parks, the New Forest is home to rare wildlife and habitats and it’s important we play our part in improving water quality in this area.”