United Utilities has completed a £6m project to improve water quality in St Helens.

The company has installed an underground stormwater storage tank capable of holding millions of litres of water in periods of heavy rainfall which will help reduce the number of times that the storm overflow operates at Carr Mill. This will help improve the water quality in Black Brook.

Since its installation, the tank has already stopped five discharges into the local watercourse, highlighting the project’s early success. Teams also continue to work with St Helens' Council to re-plant 13 trees in the local area after six were removed to carry out the work. Grass seeding will take place at the end of May, with the fencing removed and the site reopened for the public to enjoy from early July.

Gemma Vidamour, Capital Delivery Manager at United Utilities, said: “We’re pleased to see the storm tanks are already making a difference to the environment by holding excess stormwater, and improving water quality in the nearby Black Brook. It highlights our commitment and investment in Merseyside’s future, and we look forward to working with the local authority on future schemes.”

United Utilities is currently investing more than £13 billion to protect and enhance over 500 kilometres of rivers, lakes and bathing waters, while safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of customers.