£48m upgrade to sewer network in Cheshire gets underway

United Utilities is making a £48 million investment in Moor Pool, Knutsford, as part of  scheme to upgrade the sewer network in Cheshire and improve water quality in Knutsford.

The first phase – an innovative stormwater storage tunnel with 1.8km of new underground pipeline from the pumping station at Moor Pool to the wastewater treatment works in Knutsford – is already underway.

At its deepest point, the tunnel will be twenty metres underground, and two metres in diameter storing up to 5.5 million litres of stormwater in periods of heavy rainfall, before being treated at Knutsford wastewater treatment works.

A central compound for the tunnelling works has been set up off Parkgate Lane, Knutsford. Temporary traffic management and changes to pedestrian walkways will be in use throughout the project, and clearly signposted.

The second phase includes a partnership approach with Natural England and Tatton Estates to undertake specialist health checks on the fish within the watercourse, before they are rehomed further upstream in Peover. This will allow essential work to take place to remove built‑up sediment from a section of the river.

The removal of the sediment will help to restore the pool’s health, improve water quality and protect the wildlife that depends on it.

On completion of the works, the fish will naturally repopulate Moor Pool from downstream near Middle Pool. The project is scheduled for completion in May 2027.

Sean Reid

Sean Reid, County Business Lead for Wastewater in Cheshire said: “This project highlights our ongoing commitment to improving water quality in the county, and how working closely with partners can offer alternative and innovative solutions to stormwater management in protected areas.  

“On completion, this scheme will store up to 5.5 million litres of stormwater in periods of heavy rainfall – that’s equivalent to two Olympic sized swimming pools.”

The project forms part of United Utilities’ wider commitment to the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in a century across the North West.

The company will be spending more than £13 billion over the next five years to protect and enhance over 500km of rivers, lakes and bathing waters whilst safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of customers.

Annette McDonald

Commenting on behalf of Tatton Estate, Annette McDonald, Sustainability and Partnerships Director, said: "This project has been shaped through extensive consultation and partnership working.

“We would like to thank United Utilities, Natural England, Liverpool John Moores University and Binnies for their expert contributions, which have given us confidence that this approach will minimise environmental impact while supporting the long-term restoration of the SSSI.

"Protecting the health of Moor Pool, improving water quality and safeguarding the wildlife that depends on it are vitally important to the Estate and we welcome the collaborative approach being taken.”