United Utilities

Rivington Pike and Pigeon Tower in Lancashire turned blue last night to mark World Drowning Prevention Day. We’ve joined forces with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to remind people about the dangers of swimming in reservoirs and other open waters as Matthew Upton, catchment manager, explains: “Reservoirs typically have very steep sides and the water is extremely deep so even in the warmest weather it can be cold enough to cause shock. We have warning signs in place at our reservoirs but every year some people chose to ignore these. We hope that lighting up Rivington Pike in blue for World Drowning Prevention Day will be a timely reminder at the start of the school summer holidays to stay safe around water.” #worlddrowingpreventionday #reservoirsafety #rivington #lancashire

We had the pleasure of welcoming a scout group to our reservoir in Rochdale for an evening of environmental activities! Under the guidance of their dedicated leader, the 1st Milnrow Scouts teamed up with our Watergrove team to prepare the Little Town Memory Garden for the Pennine in Bloom competition. Together, they focused on vegetation management, starting with weeding grass out of the raised wildflower beds, uncovering existing memorial plaques, and making space for new memorial crosses. A huge thank you to the youngsters for their hard work and enthusiasm! #scouts #environment #watergrove #wildflowers #vegetation #teamwork #thankyou

It’s fantastic to once again be listed in the FTSE4Good Index, recognising our approach to ESG and making the North West stronger, greener and healthier. We’re leading on ground-breaking environmental projects, including in Chorley, where we’re using innovative, nature-based technology to treat stormwater spills. These vertical aerated reed beds act as a natural cleaner and filter for the untreated storm water that is released from a combined sewer overflow, improving water quality in Syd Brook. #environment #projects #innovation #technology #reedbeds #stormwater #waterquality

We’re excited to be part of the ‘Unpave the Way’ project which showcases how managing rainwater on a small scale at home can support communities by helping them to become more flood resilient. This week the project has showcased a new garden at Royal Horticultural Society Tatton Park Flower Show with features including sustainable drainage, rainwater harvesting and permeable paving which all slow the flow and reduce the impact of rainwater on sewer systems, improving river water quality. The climate resilient garden was created by award-winning designer Leon Davis, in partnership the North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee which includes support from Environment Agency, United Utilities, and Lancashire County Council.  #partnership #climatechange #environment #floodresilient #rainwaterharvesting

We’re pleased to welcome three leading design and development partners to help us deliver the largest environmental programme in the North West in more than a century, if the our ambitious business plan is approved.  AtkinsRéalis, Mott MacDonald and Stantec will create detailed designs for schemes across our water and wastewater sites as well as bioresource and rainwater management projects. Jane Simpson, Capital Delivery Director, said: “We’re delighted to have chosen three leading design and development partners for our ambitious investment plans. We’ll benefit from their expertise in developing and delivering world-class solutions to allow us deliver the transformation to our infrastructure that we know our customers want to see.” https://lnkd.in/eXQmkr8k #partners #investment #environment #water #wastewater #capitaldelivery

Double win at the The Pipeline Industries Guild Awards! Huge congratulations to our UU Engineering and Capital Delivery teams for their success, bringing home two trophies! Held at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, our teams shone with two impressive submissions. The Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Program team, with Avove Utilities, won the Large Diameter Pipeline Technology award for their innovative air pigging technology, saving 118 tonnes of CO2, 1104 tanker journeys, and 15Ml of water! The second award, the Utility Pipeline Project award, was for our swift, safe emergency repair work on the Longdendale Aqueduct with PMP Utilities, ensuring no disruption to the local water supply. Well done, team! #doublewin #congratulations #awards #technology #repair #teamwork

We recently discovered over 50 vapes causing a major blockage at a pumping station in Dalston, Cumbria. This is George, and after him and his team noticed the pump wasn’t performing optimally, they quickly investigated. They discovered an influx of vapes blocking the pump, which took three days to remove! An increasing number of vapes are also being found at treatment works across the region having made their way through the sewers. The most concerning part is the risk of vapes catching fire due to their lithium batteries, posing a significant danger to our sites and the surrounding areas. Please make sure to dispose of vapes responsibly to help us keep pipes flowing smoothly. And always remember to only flush the 3 Ps – Pee, Poo, and (toilet) Paper! #stoptheblock #cumbria #blockage #pumpingstation #treatmentworks #disposal

A standout member of our team, Katrina Cullen, has triumphed at the fourth annual Water Industry Forum Team Challenge. Her team not only took home the top prize, but also won the Most Innovative Presentation Award. The competition brought together young water professionals to tackle the importance of Integrated Water Management (IWM) for the UK’s future water resilience. Katrina and her team impressed the judges with an interactive workshop designed to raise awareness of IWM’s benefits. Their solution being noted as actionable, achievable, and adaptable for different audiences. Well done, Katrina, for your dedication and creativity! #challenge #innovative #watermanagement #resilience #workshop #creative Katrina C.

We are thrilled to share that Yvonne Ryan, our smart metering strategy manager, represented the UK water industry at the WISA (Water Institute of Southern Africa) Biennial Conference 2024 in Durban. As part of the UK-South Africa Water Security Global Innovation Network, funded by Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa, Yvonne shared her expertise and passion for championing women in the industry as a panellist at the Women in Water workshop. She emphasised the importance of celebrating achievements, networking, and mentorship opportunities. Yvonne also toured the upgraded Darvill STW wastewater treatment plant and attended the Gala dinner, which saw many talented people across the water industry recognised for their innovation and contribution to the industry. Looking ahead, Yvonne is dedicated to expanding this initiative and planning impactful events to attract and retain women in the industry. #conference #women #waterindustry #networking #mentorships

Our storm tanks might be used to store the first rush of rainwater, but our teams in Cheshire were surprised to find they were also storing two ducklings who had lost their way and needed rescuing! Thinking fast, the team at Congleton wastewater treatment works made a raft and attached some rope to retrieve the ducklings from the water. Their parents were nowhere to be seen, so the group put them safely inside a cardboard box and took them to a local wildlife sanctuary where they’re being well looked after. #wildlife #cheshire #colleagues #rescue