Super screens and a splash of science help protect the River Etherow in Tintwistle

Overview

Significant investments are being made to ensure the River Etherow continues to be enjoyed by future generations. As part of this commitment, the filter screens at Tintwistle Wastewater Treatment Works have been upgraded to effectively remove solids such as wet wipes, paper, and plastics.

Challenge

The challenge is to improve water quality in the River Etherow by enhancing the wastewater treatment process to minimise wet wipes entering the watercourse, especially during storms. With additional housing and infrastructure adding to the system’s load, it’s important to address the issue of blockages which can occur due to non-flushable items being recovered in the wastewater treatment process.

Solution

An advanced screening system has been installed at the Tintwistle Wastewater Treatment Works, designed to capture and remove pollutants like nappies and wet wipes. The new screens ensure that these solids, which are non-biodegradable and often cause blockages, are filtered out and compacted for disposal. This will ensure that cleaner effluent is being released back into the river.

Additionally, we’re engaging the community with helpful advice on what not to flush, including fun interactive sessions education sessions for Tintwistle Church of England Primary School, to help pupils learn about only flushing the three ‘P’s (pee, poo and paper). We’ve also worked in partnership with restaurants, cafes, and takeaways kitchens including Arnfield Fishery Café and Thai Restaurant who now have suitable equipment to ensure cooking oil and grease does not enter the water system. This scheme aims to reduce the number of blockages caused by fatbergs – a build-up of fats, oils and grease which mixes with things like wet wipes and period products.

Outcome

The additions made at the treatment works are expected to deliver significant improvements, including a reduction in blockages and cleaner water in the River Etherow.

Projects like this are forming a broader commitment to create better rivers. We are planning on investing £740 million to reduce spills from 105 storm overflows in Greater Manchester, as part of a proposed £13.7 billon investment to make a stronger, greener, healthier North-West.