Newcastle WWtW Commences £3.5 Million Upgrade

Newcastle’s Wastewater Treatment Works to benefit from £3.5m upgrade

NI Water has commenced a £3.5m programme of improvements at Newcastle Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW).

The work, which is being carried out by Murphy Dawson Wam JV, involves the upgrade of the three-stage treatment process within the existing facility and will include the installation of new filtration equipment and a modern UV system.

This system will allow the WwTW to continue to meet water quality requirements and support future population growth in the area.

Sean Milligan NI Water Senior Project Manager said: “We are delighted to announce the start of this major upgrade at Newcastle, which will improve essential wastewater treatment processes and safeguard coastal water quality standards for our customers in the area for many years to come.

“In preparation for the work, Murphy Dawson Wam have located some temporary site huts and welfare units on the roof of the treatment works.

Newcastle WWtW is now undergoing a £3.5m improvement. (Photo courtesy of NI Water.)

“A third (tertiary) level of treatment was installed at Newcastle Wastewater Treatment Works as part of an extensive upgrade more than 10 years ago.

“This latest NI Water investment will ensure that the effluent from the treatment works continues to be of a high standard and satisfy water quality standards.”

Due to the fully enclosed design of the treatment facility, the contractor will need to temporarily remove a section of the side wall of the building to install the new large-scale treatment equipment.

A crane and associated traffic management will be required periodically during the upgrade.

The construction work will not impact any sea swimming or other water-based activities and there should be minimal noise as most of the work will take place inside the existing building.

The sequence of work will be carefully managed to ensure no deterioration in effluent quality during the construction period.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025 – prior to the start of the 2025 bathing season.

NI Water and the project team from McAdam and Murphy Dawson Wam have sai dthey will strive to minimise any impact on the local community and deliver these improvements in a safe, efficient and timely way.