Durham - Local Action

Our goal is to prevent pollution and sewage from entering rivers and seas across our region. 

• Storm overflows (SOs) are an important part of our wastewater network because they protect customers’ homes and the environment. They operate automatically as a relief system during heavy rain or storm conditions, or if the sewers are overwhelmed because of more water or blockages, and reduce the risk of flooding to streets, homes, and businesses. 
• You can see how SOs work in our information video. 
• At the end of April, we launched our digital interactive map to show up-to-date SO information across the region.   
• In our next investment plan 2025 to 2030, we will invest £4.5bn across our business - our biggest ever package to improve water and wastewater services. £947m of that will be on improving storm overflows and bathing water.   
• In Durham specifically we will upgrade SOs including installing screens to prevent plastic bags, branches and other solid materials, from entering the sewer system at: High Carr Road; Millburngate; Elvet Syphon; Frankland Lane; Laurel Avenue and two at Barkers Haugh, Sands Syphon and the Sewage Treatment Works there.  
• During 2025 to 2030, we will also improve the Pelaw Wood Sewer.    
• We will install more monitoring equipment to improve the data we have so we can spot and solve problems quicker.   
• From 2030 to 2035, we will replace and upgrade the Canterbury Road and Walkergate SOs.  
• You can see details of our plans along the River Wear here.
• Information on our plan for Storm Overflows can be viewed on the national storm overflow interactive map (opens new window). 

The River Wear catchment is the area of land through which water drains into the Wear.

• The catchment forms part of our Thriving Catchments programme, where we are working with the Rivers Trust; Wear Rivers Trust; Durham Wildlife Trust, and local farmers and land managers to manage pollutants in the Wear catchment before they get into the river.  
• As part of our Thriving Catchments programme, we are also co-funding a full-time Wear Catchment Manager through Wear Rivers Trust, who will work to improve the River Wear catchment area.  
• We’ve been investing at our sewage treatment works to improve the quality of treated water flowing into the River Wear, so that we can play our part in river quality improvements. So far, we’ve invested at seven sites in the Wear catchment over the past five years to remove pollutants, which can cause excess algae. These improvements will continue with further investment to 2030. 
• We are working hard to use more sustainable catchment and Nature-based Solutions. This helps to keep costs down, improve biodiversity / reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional solutions relying on concrete and chemicals. 

We need your help, Durham.

• Wet wipes are the biggest cause of blockages and sewer flooding.   
• You can make a big difference by doing one simple thing, instead of flushing it down the loo, Bin the Wipe.   

Saving water protects our local environment by limiting the amount of water we must remove.  

• We will be encouraging local people to use water wisely and promoting the benefits of water meters.  
• A water meter could reduce the amount of water you use by up to 20% saving you an average £264 a year on your bill.
• To find out if a water meter is right for you, why not try our water usage calculator to see if it can save you money?

Even after our planned big investments we still expect bills in the North East to be the lowest in England. 

Are you passionate about caring for our local waterways and making a difference in your community?

• If you are then why not become a Water Ranger?   
• Water Rangers are an enthusiastic group of local volunteers who roll up their sleeves and take positive local action by reporting any issues and notable wildlife they see in and around our local rivers and streams.   
• Don’t delay, email waterrangers@nwl.co.uk to join today.

Bluespace is a term for rivers, lakes, or the sea that people can access

• Working hard with local partners, our bluespaces scheme will improve a number of these “blue” areas in our region. 
• Around Durham we currently have bluespace projects between Belmont and High Pittington; Gilesgate and Sherburn House; Pity Me Carrs Nature Reserve and access to Brasside Pond.  
• Find out more about Bluespaces including guidance about whether your project might be eligible.

We are working hard to tackle the issue of invasive species along the Wear, including in and around Durham.  

• Invasive species have been introduced by people and have a negative impact on the economy, wildlife, or habitats in Britain.  
• Specifically, we are providing a total of £32,000 to the Wear Rivers Trust. This support enables experts and volunteers to work on removing harmful species such as Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed from local watercourses, ultimately benefiting water quality in the area.   
• The Government maintains a list of invasive plants and animals on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.      
• Please get involved and make a positive local impact. Find out more about our Branch out funds. 

We think it’s important to give back to make a positive impact in our local communities.

• All our team at Northumbrian Water are encouraged to volunteer to support community groups and charities through our “Just an Hour” scheme. 
• This important initiative gets our teams out in the communities we serve, putting their shoulders to the wheel of great causes - people choose causes that resonate with them personally - for at least 15 hours a year. 
• Find out more about our “Just an Hour” scheme.