£21 million water scheme takes root

Date published: 17/11/2008

Young people from Rochdale added the final flourish to a £21 million project to improve the town's water supply.

Pupils from Newhey Community Primary School helped to plant trees at the Piethorne reservoir complex, to landscape the site following a major two-year construction scheme.
United Utilities has installed hi-tech new processing equipment and a new pipeline at the reservoir's two water treatment plants, to boost water quality for thousands of customers in the town.

More than 1500 trees are now being planted - including oak, ash, birch, rowan and hawthorn - to help blend the new development into its scenic surroundings.

As well as mucking in with the tree planting, the pupils also toured the treatment works to find out how water gets from the reservoir to the household tap. The initiative was funded by United Futures, a community programme run by United Utilities and regeneration charity Groundwork.

Catherine Charnock from United Utilities said: "Engineers have been a regular fixture at Piethorne reservoir for over two years. This was a great opportunity for local pupils to find out what we have been doing at the site, and why. They really enjoyed learning about the hidden world of pipes and processes that keep the taps flowing, and loved pitching in to plant new trees on the site. We'd like to thank the children for all their efforts and enthusiasm."

Don Case, headmaster of Newhey Community Primary School said: "The children have thoroughly enjoyed working with experts from United Utilities and Groundwork. It's been a great opportunity for them to get out of the classroom for some fun, hands-on learning. Most of the time, we never stop to think about where the water comes from when we turn on the tap - but this fascinating project means we will never take the process for granted again!"

United Futures is investing £2.3 million by March 2009, to support worthwhile community projects across the North West. The scheme has also pledged cash to help fund a new natural play area for Newhey Primary.

Suzanne Walton from Groundwork said: "This project is a great example of how United Futures is helping to engage local communities, and benefit the environment. The beautiful new trees will create a fantastic haven for wildlife, and allow the new development to blend in with the existing valley."