Southern Water enters final stage of major £25m project in Southampton

A scheme to upgrade Millbrook Wastewater Treatment Works in Southampton has reached a critical phase as it seeks to help protect and enhance Southampton Water. 

As part of a wider investment of £63m to help protect shellfish in the area, this standalone £25 million initiative has already doubled stormwater storage capacity and resulted in the installation of a new ultraviolet treatment process to improve water quality.  

The final phase of work, now underway, will increase the treatment capacity of the site – by adding new tanks, technology and pipework. 

All of these steps will help to reduce the frequency of storm overflows in the area. 

Meanwhile work is ongoing to improve other wastewater treatment works around Southampton Water including £13m at Woolston Wastewater Treatment Works and more than £8m at Ashlett Creek Wastewater Treatment Works in Fawley and £18m at Slowhill Copse in Marchwood. 

Director for Wastewater Operations at Southern Water, John Penicud, said: 

“We recognise how important it is that we play our part to protect the environment and all of these project will play a crucial role in protecting shellfish and improving the health of Southampton Water in the coming years.” 

The work is being carried out by contractor GTb, a joint venture between Galliford Try Environment and Binnies UK Ltd 

Kennith Loftus, Project Design Lead for GTb, said, “Once all of this work is finished, the quantity of sewage treated and the quality of the final effluent leaving the site will be significantly improved. This will help to protect the important shellfish and other marine habitats in and around Southampton.”