Northumbrian Water is investing £1.7 million in work that will help to protect the environment at a County Durham burn.
The upgrades at Crookhall Sewage Treatment Works near Consett will ensure water that is released back into the environment at Smallhope Burn meets even higher standards.
The essential work is set to begin on February 21 and run until October. It is part of the water company’s Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP).
Northumbrian Water’s partner, Mott MacDonald Bentley will carry out the work within the site boundaries.
Charles Harman, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager said: “As part of the water cycle, sewage treatment works take the waste from customers in their local area. There, they clean it to ensure it is safe to return to the environment.
“This investment at Crookhall will mean we can take that treatment even further. That means improvements for water quality in SmallhopeBurn and downstream as it feeds the River Browney.”