Local Action - Felton

Our goal is to prevent pollution and sewage from 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, storm conditions, or if the sewers are overwhelmed because of more water or blockages and reduce the risk of flooding.
• Our storm overflow information video can be viewed here (opens new window).
• Our digital interactive map (opens new window) shows up-to-date storm overflow information across the region. A video about this can be viewed here (opens new window).
• Information on our plan for storm overflows can be viewed on the national storm overflow interactive map (opens new window).
• Our storm overflow reduction plan will see us reducing spill frequencies to no more than 10 per year and we’re reviewing storm overflows at New Hall Farm, Felton Sewage Treatment Works (STW), Felton recreation ground and Main Street. The solutions, which will be in place by 2030, will include a mix of natural processes like wetlands, rain gardens, and permeable pavements, and concrete tanks to ensure effective spill reduction.

If you live in Felton, your drinking water, supplied by us, comes from the Fontburn Water Treatment Works (WTW). This works produces approximately 20 million litres of water per day and has been reliably keeping the water flowing for customers for decades.

• In 2022 the Fontburn WTW received significant investment to improve the flow of water around the facility including flow metering, which helps us to use water more efficiently, avoiding overuse and underuse. It helps in identifying issues like leaks or inefficiencies in the system that could lead to wastage.

If you live in Felton your wastewater is treated at the Felton STW.

• This facility is currently undergoing a significant upgrade as part of a £5.6m investment project. We are investing in the resilience of our wastewater treatment. The improvements aim to enhance the efficiency of sewage treatment and protect the water quality in the River Coquet.

We’re investing c.£4.5bn in total in the region.

• This is the largest investment programme in the last 30 years.
• £1.1bn of this will reduce the use of storm overflows and improve bathing water quality.
• £8m will be spent on improving drinking water quality.
• £7.5m extra to reduce leakage.
• We’ll protect our network from power failures and flooding by investing £127m in adapting for climate change.
• We will invest £50m to repair and replace the aging network of water pipes – including lead pipes.

• The River Coquet is part of the Northumberland Rivers Catchment Partnership, hosted by the Northumberland Rivers Trust. We are a partner and provide support through funding and resources to help develop plans and strategies for improving the rivers and other water environments.
• This year we are starting investigations into river water quality in the River Coquet catchment, looking at the impact of our sewage treatment works at Rothbury, Snitter & Thropton, Shilbottle, Longhorsley and Felton. We will gather data and evidence to help understand the sources of pollution into the catchment from all sectors, which will help us and our catchment partners develop interventions for improving ecological status.

Bluespaces are water environments accessible to customers via road, footpath, bridleway, other public rights of way, or at a country park or beach.

• We made a pledge to improve 500km of Bluespaces for our customers by 2030. By 2025 we’ll be halfway there, after completing over 70 projects through partners, and we have big ambitions for delivering positively impactful projects where they are most needed in the second half of the programme.
• So far, since its initiation in 2020, Bluespaces has helped deliver over 5,000 volunteer days and engaged over 700 volunteers across 40 projects. Our co-funding has helped plant nearly 8,000 new trees, created over 400 hectares of new wetland, and helped tackle eight different kinds of invasive non-native species (INNS), as well as enhancing access and recreational facilities for local communities. 
• A recent Bluespaces project at Longdike Burn near Longhorsley in the River Coquet catchment has improved 4.3km of water environment for customers, through creating seven new wetlands and delivering footpath improvements. The work was led by Northumberland Rivers Trust in partnership with Northumberland Zoo, Longhorsley Parish Council, The Skill Mill and WL Straughan and Sons. This project has delivered benefits for residents and visitors to Longhorsley and the surrounding villages by offering the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful stretch of a Northumberland stream, and for visitors to Northumberland Zoo to engage with the local water environment as part of their day out.
• Please visit 'Our scheme' (opens new window) for more information. 
• We encourage our customers and local groups to let us know where and what these should be. If you have any ideas, get in touch by emailing: Bluespaces@nwl.co.uk

The Branch Out fund supports projects that protect local ecosystems. Enhancing and linking habitats protects local flora and fauna by building their resilience to 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. The guidance notes on projects that quality for grant funding is here (opens new window).
• 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.

• We know our communities are facing a cost-of-living crisis with bills going up. We are committed to helping those that need it most. If you or anyone you know is struggling to pay their bills, please talk to us.

There are lots of ways we can help.

Wet wipes are the biggest cause of blockages and sewer flooding – including in Felton.

• You can make a big difference by doing one simple thing, instead of flushing it down the loo, bin the wipe.

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 report 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 are encouraged to volunteer to support community groups and charities through our Just an Hour scheme.

• This initiative gets our teams out in the communities we serve, supporting great causes. People choose causes that resonate with them personally - for at least 15 hours a year.
• Want to know more? Please see: Just an hour: Case studies (opens new window).