A major upgrade to improve water treatment near Bristol is now complete.
The £17m investment has increased capacity at Wessex Water's Keynsham Water Recycling Centre by more than 40 per cent.
It can now safely process up to 208 litres of sewage per second before returning treated water to the environment.
The project was delivered by YTL Construction UK and included new equipment and technology to improve environmental protection and support future population growth.
Ashlea Lane, Wessex Water’s director of water recycling, said: "The completion of this project reflects our commitment towards protecting the environment while supporting the growth of communities like Keynsham.
"By increasing treatment capacity and introducing new technologies to reduce pollution, we’re ensuring that this infrastructure is fit for the future, continues to meet the highest standards and is part of our wider ambition to improve water quality across the region."
New flow measurement processes for removing phosphorous from water, a 17-metre diameter primary settlement tank, and upgraded power and a supply generator have been installed.
The improved centre is designed to meet the needs of Keynsham’s growing population while safeguarding the River Avon and other nearby watercourses.
As part of the upgrade, a 15-metre diameter storm tank has been installed.
It can hold more than 300,000 litres of excess water during heavy storms and will play a key role in protecting the environment by reducing discharges of diluted untreated wastewater.
Kelvin Brick, senior programme manager at YTL Construction, said: "This was an important project, with our team working hard to plan and install important new equipment to a confined site, ensuring the centre will be fit for purpose as Keynsham continues to grow."
The work supports Wessex Water’s wider 2025–30 business plan.
The company proposes to more than double its monthly spending on storm overflow management from £3m to £8.5m, totalling £580m over five years.
A further £820m is being proposed to improve river and coastal water quality, including removing more phosphorus, ammonia and nitrogen from wastewater.
These nutrients can harm aquatic ecosystems by promoting excessive algae growth and depleting oxygen levels.
A separate £35m expansion of the Saltford Water Recycling Centre is currently underway.
That project is set to finish early next year and will increase capacity at the Mead Lane site to treat sewage from Bath and surrounding areas.
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