Northumbrian Water biggest ever upgrade set to transform the North East

Northumbrian Water is embarking on the biggest package of upgrades in its history, with a bold plan to protect the environment, strengthen essential water and sewer systems, and support communities across the North East.  

The water company, which serves around 3 million people across the region with reliable, high-quality water and wastewater services 24/7, is investing £2.6bn over five years (2025 – 2030). Its investment plans will mean cleaner rivers, fewer flooding incidents and a reliable and resilient water supply now and for generations to come.  

Work is already underway, with a number of projects in progress across the region, tackling everything from replacing aging water mains and upgrading sewer networks to improving treatment works. 

These investments are already improving things customers asked the water company to invest in, including reducing storm overflow spills, protecting rivers, and strengthening resilience for homes and businesses. 

Some of these projects include:  

• Browney, County Durham – a £10m scheme upgrading Browney Sewage Treatment Works to increase capacity, improve treatment processes and protect the River Browney. Work will complete in winter 2027.
  
  
• Middlesbrough - 23km of water mains are being replaced as part of a £5m investment in water quality and to protect supplies for 2,600 homes and businesses in the area.
  
  
• Ovingham Eel Screens, Northumberland - a £11m project due for completion in October 2026. The European Eel Recovery Project is delivering new, environmentally friendly fish exclusion screens at the raw water pumping station at Ovingham, between Wylam and Ovingham on the River Tyne. The screens are specifically designed to protect the rare European Eel, alongside other migratory species, by enabling safer upstream passage and reducing the risk of harm at the intake.

Nearly 800 projects are planned across the region over the five years and also include: 

• Willington, Low Wadsworth & Bishop Auckland, County Durham – a £26.9m programme to upgrade three sewage treatment works will begin in 2026, improving treatment processes and removing phosphorus to protect water quality in the River Wear. A further £44.1m investment to reduce storm overflow spills in the area will follow.
  
  

• Ouseburn, Newcastle – a £6m investment will start at the end of 2026 and will focus on reducing storm overflow discharges and upgrading local sewer infrastructure. These improvements will help protect water quality in the Ouseburn and surrounding communities.
  
  
• Berwick-upon-Tweed - A £175m project to replace outdated storm tanks, install innovative smart monitoring, and strengthen the sewer network, reducing storm overflow incidents and improving water quality. Work begins early 2027.

Northumbrian Water’s five-year plan will boost the North East economy by £5.7bn, supporting thousands of jobs and local businesses.  

And for every pound spent as part of the work, 60p of it will stay in the region, creating opportunities for local suppliers and contractors.  

This investment means communities across the North East can expect cleaner rivers, waterways, and beaches, reduced flooding risks for homes, and more reliable water supplies during heatwaves and cold winters. 

To fund these improvements, Northumbrian Water shareholders are increasing their investment in the region. Alongside this, customers will see a change to their bills from April 2026 to help continue funding this essential work. 

The expected increase is around 6%, equivalent to £30 per year or £1.47 per day, for the average household.  

Even after this change, Northumbrian Water’s bills will remain among the lowest in England for combined water and wastewater services. 

The easiest way for customers to manage their bills, and to see how the changes will impact them, is by signing up for an online account at www.nwl.co.uk/register. 

The company knows any increase can be worrying and is providing extensive support for customers who need help.  

It's put together a £100m support package over the five years, which includes £20m of shareholder investment, to help customers who are struggling with their bills. This includes low-income discounts, payment breaks, flexible payment plans and access to free, independent debt advice. 

Last year, Northumbrian Water helped over 100,000 customers who were struggling and is ready to do even more this year. 

Louise Hunter, Customer Director at Northumbrian Water, said: “This is the biggest investment we’ve ever made, and it’s all about protecting water supplies and the environment for us now, and for future generations, here in the North East. 

“We’re already starting to see real improvements, and there’s lots more planned – projects that will improve our rivers, strengthen our networks, and make sure we have a water supply that’s ready for the future. 

“We know that any increase in bills is a worry, and we don’t take that lightly. That’s why we’ve got more than £100m worth of support available for customers, including discounts and payment breaks, to make sure help is there for anyone who needs it. If you’re concerned, please reach out and we’ll work with you to find the right solution.” 

Customers who need financial support or want to explore their options can visit www.nwl.co.uk/bill-help. 

For more information about Northumbrian Water’s projects right across the region, visit www.nwl.co.uk/investmentplan.