United Utilities completes project in Oldham to improve water quality in the River Irk

United Utilities has completed a project in Oldham to improve water quality in the River Irk by stopping a storm overflow from operating.

The North West’s water company has been working at a site off Westhulme Way for the last month to carry out the work.  

It now means in periods of heavy rain, instead of the storm overflow operating, capacity in the existing wastewater network will be utilised to allow flows to carry on and be treated at Oldham wastewater treatment works. 

It comes as the company has also secured planning permission for a programme of works to improve the wastewater network and make changes to the Sheepfoot Lane storm overflow. 

United Utilities will increase the sewer capacity in the town and reduce the number of times that the storm overflow operates as well as creating a new outfall at Plumpton Clough.  

After completing final surveys, the design will be completed and the work is set to start early in 2026. The work will take around 18 months to complete and the company will be holding another public exhibition to share their plans in January. 

As a result of the works, there will be a road closure along Sheepfoot Lane with diversions put in place in the surrounding area.  The company is working with Oldham Council, TFGM, and Oldham Athletic Football Club to minimise disruption.  

Andrew Cunliffe, Wastewater Lead for Greater Manchester at United Utilities, said: “We know improving water quality around the region is one of our customers’ biggest priorities and we’re determined to deliver schemes at pace over the next five years.  

“It’s great news that we’ve been able to stop spills from one storm overflow already and have another project that will be starting soon to benefit water quality in the River Irk.” 

It comes as United Utilities embarks on the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure for a century.  The company will be spending more than £13bn over the next five years to protect and enhance over 500km of rivers, lakes and bathing waters whilst safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of customers.