Preparing for storms at Sunnybank, Bury to improve water quality in Parr Brook and River Roch
Overview
Sunnybank is a semi-rural residential area in the Unsworth area of Bury South in Greater Manchester with a population of 10,000, close to the border of Whitefield. This area developed during the industrial revolution due to its nearby waterways which supplied bleach and dye works. The area is served by a wastewater treatment works at Blackford Bridge.
Challenge
The challenge is to improve water quality at the local Parr Brook and River Roch by reducing the number of times a storm overflow operates in the area. Storm overflows operate when sewers fill with rain during heavy rainfall events and they are designed to prevent homes and businesses from flooding.
Solution
After local consultations, United Utilities began a £2.5m project in October 2023 to install a new underground storage tank on land next to Glendale Avenue and Sunny Bank Road.
Outcome
The new storm tank holds 500,000 litres and is due to be operational by June 2024. It will help to reduce the number of times the storm overflow operates during periods of heavy rainfall.
Projects like this will form part of 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.