Hartlepool - Local Action

Wastewater services involve the collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage and other waste materials from homes and businesses. 

• Sewage collection: we manage the network of pipes that transport wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment facilities.
• Sewage treatment: at our treatment plants, we process the wastewater to remove contaminants and produce clean water that can be safely returned to the environment.
• Sewer maintenance: regular maintenance and repairs of the sewer network to prevent blockages and leaks.
• Flood management: implementing measures to manage and reduce the risk of sewer flooding, especially during heavy rainfall.
• Customer support: assistance with issues like blocked drains, sewer flooding, and misconnections.  

We are planning significant investments across the North East, including Hartlepool, in the coming years. 

• We’re investing c.£4.5bn in total in the region. This is the largest investment programme in the last 30 years.  This investment will be used to upgrade key infrastructure such as pipelines, treatment works, and pumping stations to improve the region’s water and wastewater networks.
• We have long-term plan to ensure reliable water supplies and environmental sustainability. This includes efforts to reduce leakage, promote water-saving measures, and support customers with financial assistance if needed.
• Starting later this year, we will be working to carry out repairs on the long and short outfalls at Burn Road, Seaton Carew. The work will be carried out in stages, dictated by the tide, meaning we will be on and off site, working on the beach, over the course of a year. The repairs won’t be stopping the use of the outfalls but will mean the risk of leaks onto the beach will cease. 
• We are investing £1.1m in the installation of a new storm tank at its site in Greatham. The new tank will hold storm water and wastewater from homes at times of heavy rainfall, so that it can be treated when flows reduce, protecting against the risk of spills to the environment. The work, which is being carried out by our partner, Esh-Stantec, started at the end of July 2024 and runs until the end of March 2025. Construction traffic is being managed to reduce the impact on the village, including working to avoid, where possible, school drop-off and pick-up times.

We are actively involved in improving river water quality and supporting catchment partnerships in Hartlepool. They are part of the Catchment Based Approach, which focuses on sustainable water management through local action and community engagement.

In Hartlepool, specific initiatives include:

• Improving water quality: efforts are being made to reduce pollution and enhance the ecological health of local rivers and streams.
• Catchment partnerships: collaborations with local authorities, businesses, and community groups to develop and implement action plans for better water management.
• Nature-based solutions: introducing measures such as wetland creation and river restoration to manage flood risks and improve biodiversity.
• These projects aim to create a healthier and more resilient water environment, benefiting both the community and local wildlife.
• The Bluespaces Water and Wellbeing Warden: Castle Eden Dene coast project aims to enhance the environmental and community wellbeing around the Castle Eden Dene area. 
• The project focuses on improving biodiversity and recreational facilities, led by a warden out and about in the Dene area.
• The initiative is part our work across the region to improve areas of water that customers can access, protecting natural habitats, ensuring a healthier environment for both wildlife and local residents.

In our next investment plan 2025 to 2030, we want to invest £4.5bn across our business - our biggest ever package to improve water and wastewater services.   

• In our next investment plan 2025 to 2030, we want to invest £4.5bn across our business - our biggest ever package to improve water and wastewater services.   
• Our goal is to prevent pollution entering rivers and seas across our region. Storm overflows 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.  
• Watch our storm overflow animated information video (opens new window). 
• At the end of April, we launched our digital interactive map (opens new window) to show up-to-date storm overflow information across the region. You can also watch our launch video of the map (opens new window).  
• Information on our plans for Storm Overflows can be viewed on the national storm overflow interactive map (opens new window).
• Starting later this year, we will be working to carry out repairs on the long and short outfalls at Burn Road, Seaton Carew. The work will be carried out in stages, dictated by the tide, meaning we will be on and off site, working on the beach, over the course of a year. The repairs won’t be stopping the use of the outfalls but will mean the risk of leaks onto the beach will cease. 
    

This is being delivered in partnership with the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, and the local community.

The aim of the project is to protect and enhance the coastline between Redcar and Saltburn. The project focuses on improving coastal habitats and water quality, engaging local communities and promoting positive environmental behaviour and stewardship.

Key elements of the project include:

• Coastal water quality monitoring.
• Community and volunteer engagement to foster environmental stewardship.
• Protection of coastal birds and their habitats.
• Managing plastic waste and litter to keep the coastline clean.
• The project has already made significant improvements to 9.3km of coastline and associated streams, with plans to extend these efforts to 17km by 2024.

Septic tanks have been identified as treatment solutions that require necessary upgrades to allow us to improve water quality across our local areas.

They currently provide primary treatment only; the goal is to provide alternate solutions at all of these sites to provide secondary treatment. 

Various solutions have been considered going into 2025, showing the real-world impact and the wider environmental benefit, some of these solutions are:  

• Nature-based solutions (wetlands/vertical flow reedbeds).  
• Package sewage treatment works.  
• Transfer solutions (diverting flows to existing networks). 

The Branch Out fund supports local projects that protect local ecosystems by building their resilience to climate change – bringing benefits to local people.  

• The link between health and the countryside is well known and many of the Branch Out projects will encourage people to be outside in nature. Enhancing and linking habitats will help local flora and fauna be better placed to deal with climate change.   
• If you, or your organisation, are involved in a project doing this, then the Branch Out Fund might be able to help you. Applications for grants of anywhere between £1 - £10,000 are very welcome. You can read the guidance notes (opens new window) on the sorts of projects that quality for grant funding. 
• Email applications to branchout@nwl.co.uk  

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. 

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 Just an hour (opens new window).